Historic Turkish Cemeteries Restoration Continues

According to a statement issued by Evkaf, restoration and environmental improvement works aimed at preserving historic Turkish cemeteries and martyrs' memorials are continuing with the administration's financial support and through inter-institutional cooperation.

As part of the project, restoration works have been completed at the Turkish cemeteries in Geçitkale (Köfünye), Boğaziçi (Aytotoro), Aksu (Anglisides), Vuda, Larnaca Cami-i Kebir, Tatlısu (Mari), Taşkent (Tochni), Pirga, Ötüken (Mennoya) and Lefkara.

The work included repairs to perimeter walls, conservation and restoration of graves, removal of overgrown vegetation and landscaping.

Similar restoration work was also carried out at the martyrs' memorials in Alaminyo, Tuzla, Düzkaya (Evdim), Yeşilyurt (Mandirga) and Bağlarbaşı (Malya).

Evkaf said the graves of those buried at the Bağlarbaşı, Alaminyo, Düzkaya, Yeşilyurt and Tuzla martyrs' memorials were restored with financial support from the Turkish Cypriot side, while work at other memorial sites will continue gradually.

The administration said the island-wide programme, which covers approximately 70 cemeteries, will continue in stages, with the next phase beginning at Turkish cemeteries in the Limassol region before expanding to other areas of southern Cyprus.

Families to Be Allowed to Restore Graves

The statement added that once core conservation work has been completed, families with relatives buried at the cemeteries will be able to carry out maintenance and replace gravestones at their own expense, subject to the necessary permits and coordination procedures.

Evkaf stressed that preserving historic Turkish cemeteries and the island's waqf cultural heritage is essential for safeguarding the past and passing it on to future generations, adding that cooperation with the relevant institutions will continue.