Nicosia: French archaeologists Alain Le Brun and Odile Daune-Le Brun have been awarded the prize for the Preservation and Promotion of the Archaeological Heritage of Cyprus for 2025. Speaking at the award ceremony on Monday evening, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed that Cyprus owes a significant debt to the two archaeologists. The prize serves as a token of appreciation for their long-standing and valuable contributions to the country.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides highlighted the close and enduring relationship between Cyprus and France, noting France's consistent support for Cyprus's cultural heritage. He mentioned that an important exhibition would be held in Paris as part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, showcasing this relationship.
The President also addressed the impact of the Turkish invasion of 1974 on Cyprus's cultural heritage, which resulted in the looting and destruction of archaeological sites, museums, and religious monuments. This devastation led to the illegal trafficking of thousands of unique archaeological objects on international markets.
He further acknowledged the significant role that foreign archaeological missions have played in expanding knowledge of ancient Cyprus and promoting it globally through scientific research and publication.
Chair of the Selection Committee, Professor Maria Iakovou, explained the rationale for the award. She emphasized that the scientific work and continuous presence of Le Brun and Daune-Le Brun in Cyprus's archaeological field have spanned over half a century, even before the Turkish invasion.
Iakovou remarked on the archaeologists' perseverance, noting that despite being displaced from their research field in Karpasia, they managed to rescue, study, and publish crucial archaeological data from the occupied Neolithic site of Kastros. This site has since been destroyed by the Turkish occupation army.
The Selection Committee highlighted that Le Brun and Daune-Le Brun are models of scientific and ethical conduct. Despite potential scientific setbacks, they have adhered to UNESCO's clauses, avoiding research in occupied territories.