MISSION

The Technical Committee’s Operational Framework

“The Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage believes that it is the primary responsibility of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to protect the endangered cultural heritage of theisland, and that it is important forthese monuments to be preserved, not only because they are important symbols for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, as well as forhumanity, but also because they have an intrinsic value of their own.”

A common vision for cultural heritage in Cyprus

As the cornerstone of its activities, the Technical Committee has developed and is actively promoting a
common vision of the importance of cultural heritage for Cyprus. The Committee regards all cultural
heritage as our common richness without making any distinction.

Volunteer ethos

The Committee, although appointed by the Leaders, operates in the basis of a strong volunteer ethos which
accounts for much of its significant achievement.

Technical support

The Committee is strongly supported by an Advisory Board providing valuable technical expertise. Where necessary, the Committee also receives support from other local and international experts working in the field of cultural heritage.

Implementation mechanism

The Committee is able to implement its projects through the logistical contractual and operational framework of the Office of the United Nations Development Programme.

Resources

The capacity of the Committee to define, agree and formulate action priorities and a strategy for the future has been strongly supported by the European Commission since 2012.

Social acceptance

The achievements of the Committee have given rise to a broadening awareness of its role in both communities, to the extent that new initiatives are now being embarked upon to mobilise local resources for the purpose of local interventions.

Partnerships

The Committee’s strong multicultural ethos and demonstrated commitment to cooperation have led to the development of partnerships with various heritage-related institutions, most notably the Church of Cyprus and EVKAF, extending also to local and other competent authorities, expert groups, and, not least, UNDP and the Cyprus Settlement Support Unit of the European Commission in Nicosia. The Committee has become mature enough to develop relations with international institutions working in the field of cultural heritage.

International acclaim

In 2021, the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage was recognized by the European Commission and Europa Nostra as one of the winners of 2021 European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards for using cultural heritage as a powerful tool for reconciliation and peaceful cooperation. In the same year, the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage was also chosen by the Board of Europa Nostra on recommendation by an independent jury of experts to receive one of the Grand Prix Awards in the category for “Dedicated Service to Heritage by Organisations & Individuals.”

TCCH Members:

Sotos Ktoris – Co-Chair
Ali Tuncay – Co-Chair
İlkay Feridun – AB Coordinator
Alekos Triggides
Anna Kouma
Athena Papadopoulou
Berk Büyükoğlu
Charalampos Paschalides
Elias Pantelides
Ferhat Arca
Fevzi Tanpınar
Ioannis Karis
Mustafa Haşim Altan
Nazım Beratlı
Takis Hadjidemetriou
Özge Samioğlu

Advisory Board Members

Themos Demetriou – AB Coordinator
Andreas Foulias
Anthi Antoniadou
Belgin Sakallı
Ceren Kürüm
Doğuş Yağtuğ
Ege Uluca Tümer
Emine Reis
Erdoğan Selkan
Evi Fiouri
Hristodoulos Hadjichristodoulou
Meletis Apostolides
Naso Chrysochou
Reyhan Bilgeer
Stella Pissaridou

TCCH – PMs:

Belgin Sakalli
Katerina Frangoullidou
Natalie Neophytou