A Critical Evaluation Of The Issue Of “Conservation Of The Cultural Heritage” In North Cyprus

Abstract

Cyprus, as the third biggest island in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, is situated in the cross-road of the east-west and north-south navigation routes and it was ruled by many different conquors throughout centuries. Through its long, rich, unique and turbulent history, it enjoys the opportunity to house many remarkable remains of historical, architectural and cultural heritage. The main aim of this paper is to make a thorough investigation on the cultural heritage values of the Northern part of Cyprus, which has been under the rule of Turkish community since 1974, when the Island was divided into two parts – Turks living in the North and Greeks living in the South. With this aim in mind, the paper firstly will evaluate cultural heritage in terms of its definition, various types, value and meaning in general. Since the main concern is on the tangible cultural heritage, the discussion will be deeper on this type of cultural heritage. Secondly, the paper will turn to North Cyprus, focusing on its cultural heritage values. Then, the problems that these values are faced with will be discussed and evaluated critically, with special reference to the existing conservation approach covering also the legal basis and the role of public and private sector in the conservation of tangible cultural heritage in North Cyprus. It is believed that these evaluations set a concrete framework and basis for the planning proposals and design solutions/guideliness for the conservation of cultural heritage in North Cyprus – which is the subject matter of another study,due to limitations. It should be noted that, this paper is not an overall research paper, yet it is more likely to be an observatory informative documentation on the cultural heritage values of North Cyprus. Yet still, it is intended that, the paper will/can act as a complete document which will mainly guide the policy makers in the country. The methodology followed in the preparation of the paper is based on the study of documents and site observations.