Restoration works on the ancient port of Girne are continuing.

Earlier last week, old railway tracks dating back to the island’s British colonial era were revealed in the harbour area.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu inspected the ongoing works at the harbour on Monday.

The restoration project at the old Girne harbour is continuing full steam ahead with plans to open the area for tourism by June.

Old railway tracks, believed to have been used for the restoration of the Ağa Cafer Mosque just behind the harbour were revealed during digging at the harbour area last week.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu accompanied by a team from the Department of Antiquities and Museums were on the site on Monday to personally inspect the work being carried out.

Speaking to BRT, Ataoğlu said that the old harbour had been neglected for years but that it would receive the attention it deserved with the completion of the restoration work.

“We started work on December 1 and we’re three months into the project. Work is progressing on time as the weather conditions have permitted so,” he said.

Restoration, maintenance and repair of building facades is underway.

The path within the harbour has also been cleared of all structures and the asphalt has been scrapped off.

Ataoğlu said that a glass floor will be placed over the railway tracks discovered to display them to the public.

The tourism minister also said that once the project is completed, the management of the harbour will be carried out by a joint committee made up of representatives from the Tourism Ministry, the Girne Municipality and business owners.

He added that once the harbour is completed, similar restoration work will be carried out in the back streets of the harbour.