Nicosia: The Cyprus UNESCO National Committee has announced the release of a new bilingual publication titled ‘CYPRUS LIVING HERITAGE’, available both in print and digital formats, in an initiative to safeguard and promote the island’s intangible cultural heritage.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the publication is the first to present 65 entries of Cyprus’ living traditions listed on the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage, alongside six entries on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The launch event saw the President of the UNESCO Cyprus Committee, Dr. Marina Solomidou Ieronymidou, hand over the publication to Deputy Minister of Culture Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou.
The publication is described as a contemporary, on-site photographic record capturing the essence of Cyprus’ traditions, practices, and cultural expressions. It features diverse elements such as Cypriot face-to-face dances, Lefkaritika embroidery designs, chanting traditions, and ancient arts like pottery and weaving.
The project was researched and edited by Dr. Antigone Polyniki, with photography contributions from Nikos Louka and Emma Louise Charalambous. Dr. Ieronymidou highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the Deputy Ministry to protect and promote cultural heritage elements passed down through generations.
Deputy Minister Kassianidou conveyed her congratulations to the Committee President and contributors, affirming the Deputy Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Committee’s efforts.