Today the European Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the Cyprus Digital Heritage website (www.cyprusdigitalheritage.com).

Funded by the EU through the Aid Programme, the new website aims to safeguard and showcase Cyprus' cultural treasures, ensuring their longevity and making them accessible to all people of Cyprus, as well as to a global audience. 

The website includes virtual tours featuring cultural heritage sites restored and conserved by the bicommunal Technical Committee of Cultural Heritage (TCCH). These sites hold significant cultural and historical value for Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, representing a bridge between their shared past and a foundation for building a common future. Visitors can now embark on a virtual journey through the magnificent historical landmarks of Cyprus, experiencing their grandeur and significance from the comfort of their own homes. Through these immersive virtual tours, users can explore monuments and archaeological wonders, gaining a deep appreciation for the historical and cultural legacy of Cyprus.

The Cyprus Digital Heritage website provides a user-friendly interface that allows visitors to navigate through a vast array of curated content. The platform features interactive maps, 3D reconstructions, and other multimedia elements, enhancing the virtual tour experience and enriching the exploration of Cyprus's cultural treasures.

Furthermore, the Cyprus Digital Heritage website serves as an invaluable resource for education, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts. Its comprehensive database and advanced search functionalities enable users to access a wealth of information, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Cyprus's cultural heritage.

Kjartan Björnsson, Deputy Director & Head of Unit for Cyprus Settlement Support at the Directorate-General Reform of the European Commission, highlighted the support of the European Commission in protecting and safeguarding the diversity of cultural heritage of Cyprus and in raising the public awareness of the role that heritage plays in peacebuilding. Speaking about the launch of the web site,  Björnsson said: “The Cyprus Digital Heritage website presents an opportunity to stimulate dialogue, foster understanding and connect the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, thereby hopefully paving the way for the reunification of Cyprus.”

Jakhongir Khaydarov, UNDP Cyprus Head of Office, expressed his appreciation for the project's bi-communal nature and its potential for confidence-building, stating, "The launch of the Cyprus Digital Heritage website, featuring TCCH sites, represents a remarkable collaboration between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and pride in the shared heritage, this initiative contributes to building trust and fostering a sense of unity among Cypriots."

By making Cultural Heritage accessible online and offering virtual tours, the EU and UNDP are fostering inclusivity, breaking down geographical barriers, and ensuring that future generations can engage with Cyprus's vibrant history in a dynamic and immersive manner. This is in line with the European Commission’s recommendations on digitalisation of cultural heritage, contributing to the objectives of Europe’s Digital Decade, and with UNDP’s commitment to sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Since 2012, over 123 cultural heritage sites island-wide have been conserved, structurally supported, physically protected or restored by TCCH and UNDP with the financial support from the European Union amounting to almost €25 million. Overall, the TCCH has received €35.6 million from several donors to implement its priorities for the preservation of the island-wide cultural heritage of Cyprus.

Background
The Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, based on Council Regulation 389/2006, aims to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island, on improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU, and on preparation for the EU body of laws. 

For more information please visit: 
Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community (europa.eu)

United Nations Development Programme
UNDP aims to contribute and support the peace-building process in Cyprus and to enhance cooperation between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriot by implementing a range of confidence building measures.

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More resources: www.cy.undp.org