A GROUP of historians and archaeologists have called on the Nicosia Mayor to scrap a series of new projects planned for the old city of Nicosia.
Professors and lecturers at the University of Cyprus’ Department of History and Archaeology wrote a letter to Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou, revealing their concern about the number of building projects planned for the historical centre of the old town.
Specifically, the group of academics raised objection to the proposed building of a new cathedral by the Archbishopric.
“As archaeologists and historians directly interested in the protection and preservation of the cultural heritage and historical tradition of this place, we believe such a building in the historical centre of Nicosia will have very negative consequences both to the form and life of the old town,” said the letter, signed by the Department’s academic staff and student representatives.
Reasons supporting this claim included the argument that a number of listed buildings forming part of the archaeological character of the old town would have to be knocked down for the new cathedral to be built.
Also, the underground parking would lead to the destruction of layers of archaeological artefacts as the location lies at the core of the mediaeval town. Much historical evidence has already been destroyed as a result of new buildings, noted the academics.
A new cathedral in the historical core of the town would undermine existing monuments and buildings of significance like St John’s Church, the old Archbishopric and the Pancyprian Gymnasium.
Apart from creating more traffic problems and pollution, a new cathedral would also create an imbalance in the town planning of religious sites which was set for each district as far back as during Ottoman rule.
The Department’s staff called on Mavrou to reconsider other projects planned for the capital, including the new municipality building opposite the old marketplace; the new House of Representatives on PASYDY hill, and the revamp of Eleftheria Square using the design of Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid.
Any project has to incorporate the goals of saving, preserving, protecting and showcasing the old town’s archaeological monuments and historical look, they added.
Another group of foreign archaeologists and local personalities also sent a letter to Mavrou, objecting to the plans for the redesign of Eleftheria Square.
The group are participating in the University’s workshop on Mediaeval Famagusta in memory of British archaeologist AHS (Peter) Megaw, who headed the Department of Antiquities during British rule.
They argue Hadid’s plans for Eleftheria Square has artistic merit but does not fit well next to the “innovative Renaissance walls of a great mediaeval city”.
“We cannot stand idly by while the capital is in danger of irreparable mutilation,” said the letter.
Noting that some of the 28 signatories have over half a century experience on mediaeval Nicosia and its Renaissance walls, the group called on Mavrou to reconsider plans for the Square “and help make Nicosia the world-class showcase of mediaeval and Renaissance art and architecture that it is capable of becoming”.
