The second International Symposium on the Protection and Research of Cultural Heritage is continuing to take place at the Acapulco Resort Hotel in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Organized by the Association for the Protection and Research of Cultural Heritage in cooperation with the TRNC National Archives and Research Department, the Department of Antiquities and Museums, and the Alashia Terracotta Art Collective, the three-day event, which ends today brings together academics, experts, and cultural sector representatives from Türkiye and the TRNC.

The symposium is also supported by BRTK as a media partner.

In his opening remarks, Association Chair Serkan Gedük emphasized that cultural heritage is not only a link to the past but also a guide for building the future.

He noted that the symposium aims to foster strong awareness through the exchange of knowledge, experience, and vision.

Artist Ayhatun Ateşin, head of the Alashia Terracotta Art Collective, highlighted that cultural heritage also reflects the spirit, memory, and identity of the people, with art being a powerful means to revive and transmit that memory across generations.

TİKA’s Lefkoşa Office Coordinator, Havva Pınar Özcan Küçükçavuş, stressed TİKA’s ongoing efforts to protect cultural heritage worldwide and stated that such projects in the TRNC have been underway since 2019.

She reaffirmed TİKA’s commitment to supporting future heritage initiatives. A message from Birol İncecik Öz, Director General of Cultural Assets and Museums at the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, was also read during the ceremony.

President Ersin Tatar expressed his pride that such a significant scientific symposium is being hosted in the TRNC.

He underlined the responsibility of preserving and transmitting the deep-rooted cultural legacy of the land inhabited by the Turkish Cypriot people for thousands of years.

Tatar highlighted large-scale, scientifically grounded heritage projects made possible with Türkiye’s support, including the ongoing four-and-a-half-year restoration of the Selimiye Mosque, scheduled for completion by the upcoming Kurban Bayram.

He also announced plans to begin the restoration of the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Gazimağusa.

Tatar reiterated that attempts to isolate the Turkish Cypriot people from the international community would not succeed, emphasizing the modern and resilient nature of the community.

Recalling commitments made during the Geneva Cyprus conference regarding the protection of cemeteries and religious sites, he stressed the importance of respecting all heritage, from churches to mosques.

The president also pointed out that many historical artifacts from Cyprus are displayed in institutions such as New York’s Metropolitan Museum and various museums in the UK, expressing hope that these items might one day be returned.

He concluded by highlighting the potential for bi-communal cooperation on issues such as heritage, water, and electricity, and reminded that while the TRNC continues to invest in tourism, protecting both cultural heritage and the environment remains a priority.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of appreciation plaques to those who contributed to the organization of the symposium