Lythrangomi: The conservation works at the monastery and church of Panagia Kanakaria in the Turkish-occupied Karpasia region have reached completion. This site, recognized as one of the most notable monuments of Cypriot cultural heritage, exemplifies a union of ancient craftsmanship and modern conservation efforts.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the European Union funded the conservation project, which was implemented under the technical guidance of the UNDP. The project involved the collaboration of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot experts and technicians, facilitated by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.
Sotos Ktoris, the Greek Cypriot co-chair of the Technical Committee, remarked that the restoration of Panagia Kanakaria serves as a testament to the potential of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot cooperation. He emphasized the role of such monuments in reinforcing the historical and cultural bonds shared by the diverse communities of Cyprus.
The church of Kanakaria stands as a rare architectural marvel, preserving elements from the early Christian and Byzantine periods. Originally built on the ruins of a 5th-century wooden-roofed basilica, it highlights local limestone masonry and intricate frescoes.
Significant to both archaeology and history, the church’s semicircular apse once housed a renowned mosaic of the enthroned Virgin Mary, surrounded by angels and apostles, dating back to the 6th century.
Over the centuries, the church has experienced numerous architectural modifications. It transitioned from a wooden-roofed church to a barrel-vaulted basilica in the 8th century, and later, in the 12th century, a dome and narthex were added, marking over fifteen centuries of historical continuity.
According to a post on UNDP’s Facebook page, the conservation process involved replacing deteriorated stones, structural consolidation, removal of organic growth, and preservation of murals. Mosaic fragments were also conserved, alongside repairs to the roof and wooden elements, and restructuring of boundary walls.
The Deputy Ministry of Culture website highlights the historical significance of the 6th-century mosaics from Panagia Kanakaria. These mosaics, once stolen by Turkish looter Aydin Dikmen between 1977-79, have been recovered and returned to Cyprus from the Netherlands, with notable assistance from Dutch detective Arthur Brand.
Efforts to repatriate these mosaics have been ongoing since 1983, with several fragments already returned, including depictions of various apostles and parts of the Virgin Mary and Christ. The Department of Antiquities continues to work towards the recovery of remaining cultural treasures from the occupied regions of Cyprus.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has not been achieved, with the last negotiations in 2017 ending without agreement.