ABOUT THE MOSQUE

The mosque was built during the Ottoman period and renovated in the late 19th or early 20th Century. Inhabitants of the village say that there was a building in the surrounding area of the mosque that formed the Muslim primary school. Despite the lack of historical information about the mosque, it remains one of the rare remaining ruins of Ottoman architecture preserved in the region of Nicosia. It holds great historical, architectural and cultural significance.

THE CONSERVATION PROJECT

Deneia/Denya Mosque was the first site from the initial list of 40 selected by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, to benefit from emergency measures in 2012. Following the completion of emergency measures in April 2013, further works were implemented upon request of the Committee, in order to provide the mosque with a roof and hence ensuring its longer-term preservation.

The interventions carried out comprised of restoration and preservation of the stonework and architectural features as well as fencing and landscaping of the site. The mihrab paintings were restored by a conservationist and placed back in their original location. Furthermore, the stone masonry and walls were reinforced and enhanced, structural damage was repaired, while window frames were consolidated and restored. A completely new roof was built according to the original measurements. Signage was erected with references to the history and architecture of the monument.

Villagers and Turkish Cypriots of Deneia/Denya attended the completion ceremony on 5 December 2014.