The Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage has completed the restoration work on the Hamidiye Mosque in Lefkara, an EU-funded project implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
A statement issued by the Commitee says that “the project was delivered on Tuesday and Marcin Brauhoff Deputy Head of Unit of the Directorate General for Structural Reforms of the European Commission, addressing the event said that “the EU recognises the decisive role that cultural heritage plays in promoting peace and democracy, promoting tolerance, non-discriminatory dialogue and mutual understanding.”
He went on to say that ‘this is particularly relevant in relation to Cyprus, where the restoration and maintenance of these monuments is a tool for reconciliation and social cohesion that brings communities back together, as is happening here today.’
Moreover, Philippe Baudin, Senior Political Affairs Officer of the UN Secretary-General’s Mission to Cyprus, said that “this achievement will not only contribute t
o the further consolidation of Lefkara as an important site for cultural heritage tourism. It also sends, a tangible and positive message to the rest of the island and beyond,” noting that “the restoration of many monuments by the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage contributes greatly to the creation of a climate of trust and a spirit of peace throughout the island.”
Jakhongir Khaydarov, Head of UNDP Cyprus, said that “the successful completion of the restoration work of the Hamidiye Mosque in Lefkara marks a pivotal moment in our targeted mission to preserve the priceless cultural heritage of Cyprus.”
At the same time, he reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to the promotion of cultural preservation as a necessary pillar of sustainable development, the promotion of lasting peace and the assurance of stability for future generations, both in Cyprus and throughout the world.
Sotos Ktoris, Greek Cypriot Representative of the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage said that “the restoration of the Hamidiye
mosque in Lefkara underlines the dedication of the Technical Committee in the effort to save the monuments of all the communities of Cyprus.”
“At the same time, it highlights our deep conviction that the monuments of Cyprus should not be seen as symbols of discord and rivalry but as priceless and irrefutable testimonies of our common cultural heritage, as a legacy that belongs to all Cypriots,” he said.
Ali Tuncay, Turkish Cypriot representative of the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage, said that “the joint efforts of Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot experts for the restoration of the Hamidiye Mosque in Lefkara and other common monuments throughout the island are a strong proof of the possibilities of that cooperation offers for the mutual benefit of both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots”.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, trees were planted to mark the completion of the Hamidiye Mosque.
According to the press release, “the Hamidiye Mosque in Lefkara, which dates back to the early Ottoman per
iod in Cyprus, has historical and architectural significance. Historical evidence states that the original mosque was erected between 1835 and 1883. It was then demolished after 1897, paving the way for the construction of the current building.”
The octagonal minaret is a modern addition. Representing the distinctive features of a traditional Cypriot architectural style, the mosque has an enclosed courtyard surrounded by a low wall, which is flanked by metal fencing.
The prayer hall, which once featured two arches, serves as the central place of worship, with a roof supported by two extended arches, while the mosque’s impressive size and imposing prayer hall underscore its design for communal worship.
The European Union is the main funder of the work of the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage (about 72% of its budget).
Since 2011, the EU has granted pound 27.5 million to the Cultural Heritage Committee, which has restored, conserved or physically protected more than 150 cultural heritage sites acros
s Cyprus. The Committee currently receives 2.5 million euro per year from the European Union in aid.
Source: Cyprus News Agency