“The Cultural Heritage Technical Committee believes that it is the primary responsibility of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to protect the endangered cultural heritage of the island, and that it is important for these monuments to be preserved, not only because they are important symbols for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, as well as for humanity, but also because they have an intrinsic value of their own.” (Press statement of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, 06 May 2009).

"In the European Year of Cultural Heritage, it is with great pleasure that I commend the work of the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage in Cyprus as a remarkable example of how we can embrace our diversity and establish a fruitful dialogue about what we have in common. Cultural heritage has universal value for individuals, communities and societies. The Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage and its Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot members have worked hard to preserve the island's rich Cultural Heritage for future generations. Through this open platform the members have demonstrated that peace and reconciliation in Cyprus is possible. The EU is a proud partner of this process, and we are looking forward to continuing this important journey."  Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President, European Commission.

"Dozens of religious and cultural sites across Cyprus have been restored thanks to the tireless work and commitment of Cypriots, and the support of the European Union. This brochure demonstrates, with beautiful examples, how these heritage sites are bringing renewed pride to these communities and fostering hard won trust and reconciliation across the island."  Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator.

Since 2012, with the support of the EU and UNDP, the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage conserved, structurally supported, physically protected or restored 31 heritage sites island wide, including Orthodox, Maronite and Armenian churches, mosques and minarets, fortifications, hamams, aqueducts and watermills. Additionally, 23 sites island wide benefited from simple, non-structural, small-scale works such as internal and external site cleaning, removal of vegetation from roofs and walls, minor repairs, replacement of doors, fences and windows. Conservation designs for future projects are ready for an additional 40 sites.

This publication includes photos and stories from 31 heritage sites island wide, including Orthodox, Maronite and Armenian churches, mosques and minarets, fortifications, hamams, aqueducts and watermills that were conserved, structurally supported, physically protected or restored with the support of the European Union.