LocationsCompletion of Conservation works at the Mosque in Kalo Chorio/Vuda
September 11, 2023
Nicosia, 9th September 2023 – In a project funded by the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) are pleased to announce the completion of conservation works at the Mosque in Kalo Chorio/Vuda within the framework of the “Support to cultural heritage monuments of great importance for Cyprus.”
This was marked by an event with the participation of the European Commission, members of the diplomatic community, members of the public, UNDP and TCCH.
Mr Kjartan Björnsson, Deputy Director in DG Reform & Head of Unit for Cyprus Settlement Support, stated that: ‘’The shared cultural heritage of the island continues to be preserved thanks to the cooperation of the technical committee, the UNDP and EU. Since 2012, over 128 cultural heritage sites island-wide have been conserved, structurally supported, physically protected or restored by TCCH and UNDP with the support of the European Union amounting to a total funding of around €25 million.”
Reflecting on this achievement, the Head of UNDP Cyprus Mr. Jakhongir Khaydarov, also expressed his gratitude, stating, "The completion of the conservation works at the Mosque in Kalo Chorio/Vuda is a remarkable milestone in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the cultural heritage of Cyprus. This project not only revitalizes a historical site but also fosters a deeper sense of unity and understanding among communities. The support from the European Union, alongside the unwavering commitment of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, underscores the importance of collective action in preserving our shared past for future generations."
Dr Sotos Ktoris TCCH Greek Cypriot Co-Chair stated that “It is imperative that we show unwavering respect for each community's religious monuments, acknowledging that they are not just places of worship but also vessels of collective memory, history and identity. In respecting them, we honor our shared humanity and the threads that bind us together.”
Mr Ali Tuncay TCCH Turkish Cypriot Co-Chair highlighted that “the Vuda mosque is a brilliant reminder of our rich cultural past and it is our common responsibility to preserve our shared heritage, not only ourselves, but for the next generations to come. They are priceless assets of our island and mankind”, adding that, “cultural heritage is an important tool to develop the most needed confidence and trust between the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. Therefore, it is our common responsibility to respect and protect each other’s cultural heritage.”
The first historical account of the Kalo Chorio/Vuda mosque is noted in the year of 1882. At the time, the building of a minaret was expensive and only wealthy villagers were able to build them. Because minarets required a fund collection, they were usually built as later additions to structures. The Kalo Chorio/Vuda mosque has an inscription on its minaret, which is a memorial plaque for its construction. The date on the plaque is November 1923. The construction was completed with donations from Silahtar Huseyin Hamid.
The TCCH has received €35.6 million invested by several donors to implement the priorities of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage for the preservation of the island-wide cultural heritage of Cyprus.
For further information and media enquiries please contact UNDP at:
Gulten Inan, Communications Assistant
E-mail: gulten.inan@undp.org
Tel: +357 99 061560/+905488684603
Eleni Panayiotou, Communications Associate
E-mail: eleni.panayiotou@undp.org
Tel: +35799368879/+905488684602
European Union
The Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, based on Council Regulation 389/2006, aims at facilitating 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 (also referred to as acquis communautaire).
For more information please visit: Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community (europa.eu)
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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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