Abstract:
Traditional agro-industrial buildings in rural areas reflect the way of
life of past communities and their dependence on agriculture.
Although conservation is critical for the transfer of knowledge
about past generations and in sustaining community identity and
development, many of these building types worldwide are threatened
by dereliction due to the emergence of new technologies
that cannot be housed in the old buildings. This study suggests that
their reuse for tourism purposes, especially in countries of limited
resources and opportunities, can help rural development by attracting
both people and investment. The claim is exemplified by the
case of traditional olive oil mills in Cyprus, which are considered
significant elements of the rural landscape. The research focuses on
the Karpas Peninsula, where the majority of traditional olive mills
are either derelict or in poor condition, though where some have
already been destroyed. A brief literature review of industrial heritage
and alternative tourism forms the basis for the evaluation of
the case study. The research highlights the significance of olives and
olive oil for the Cypriot community, and discusses the current social
and economic dynamics of the Karpas Peninsula through an examination
of the potential of 18 traditional olive mills. The study
suggests the reuse of traditional olive mills through alternative
tourism and the development of thematic heritage routes.
