Despite a long-standing list of significant monuments waiting for inclusion in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site catalogue, the application process has stagnated.
The new Deputy Minister of Culture stated that the matter is high on the agenda.
Cyprus has not added any monuments to the international organization’s catalogue for over a decade. UNESCO’s catalogue holds significant importance for both showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors.
Among the notable sites on the waiting list are two important landmarks in the Larnaca province. The Larnaca Tourism Board has been seeking their inclusion for approximately a decade.
These sites include the Church of Panagia Angeloktisti in Kiti and the Salt Lakes/Hala Sultan Tekke complex. Regarding Panagia Angeloktisti, it houses a unique 6th-century Christian mosaic, and the application has been pending since 2016.
The same year, the Department of Antiquities decided to promote the nomination for the Salt Lakes and Hala Sultan Tekke, considered one of the most significant places of worship in Islam.
When asked about the timing of the nominations for the monuments on the waiting list, Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kasianidou stated that the procedures are in motion, noting that “I served on the National Commission of UNESCO for many years. This is a matter that interests me greatly and one we are currently intensively engaged with. We have already taken the initial steps to strengthen our presence in UNESCO committees, and one of the issues we are beginning to address concerns the World Heritage Sites on the waiting list. Certain actions need to be taken to submit the application, and it may require external expertise.”
Ms. Kasianidou will meet with the Greek Minister of Culture to seek information
She added, “Greece succeeded in having Zagorochoria listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and I will seek information on how we can start our own efforts.” She emphasized that the two monuments in Larnaca, which currently only has the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia listed in the UNESCO catalogue, are a top priority.
She clarified that “It has been many years since a Cypriot monument was added to the UNESCO list. In contrast, Cyprus is very active in terms of intangible cultural heritage and has registered monuments in both the global and national catalogs.”
The waiting list presently includes 11 monuments/sites, including Troodos, the Mathiatis Mine, and sacred temples.
