**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – The state of cemeteries across the divided island of Cyprus is currently described as "not very encouraging," with a significant number of burial sites suffering from neglect, disrepair, and the disappearance of vital structures. However, a concerted effort, initiated last year as a crucial confidence-building measure, is now underway to address these pressing concerns, yielding nascent signs of progress that have been met with cautious optimism by international observers.
The bicommunal technical committee on cultural heritage, tasked with overseeing the restoration of these sensitive sites, has been diligently working on a project encompassing 30 cemeteries – an equal split of 15 Turkish Cypriot and 15 Greek Cypriot locations. This initiative, first publicly announced by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in March of last year during an expanded meeting concerning the Cyprus problem, aims to acknowledge the profound humanitarian significance of these places of remembrance.
Ali Tuncay, the Turkish Cypriot co-chairman of the committee, recently articulated the gravity of the situation to the north's Tak news agency, stating, "The situation on both sides is not very encouraging. Many cemeteries, mausoleums, and tombstones are either in poor condition or have disappeared." His candid assessment underscores the scale of the challenge, highlighting the extensive damage and loss that have occurred over decades.
The restoration process itself involves a comprehensive approach to revitalise these sacred spaces. Efforts are focused on fundamental repairs, including the reconstruction of perimeter walls to secure the boundaries of the cemeteries, the meticulous clearing of overgrown vegetation that often obscures the sites, and the painstaking repair of existing tombstones. These actions are designed not merely to restore physical integrity but also to offer a measure of dignity and respect to the departed and their families.
This undertaking represents a significant step forward in fostering intercommunal understanding and cooperation. By jointly addressing a universally recognised humanitarian concern, both communities are engaging in a tangible act of reconciliation. The restoration of cemeteries is viewed as more than just an architectural or historical endeavour; it is imbued with a deep sense of ethical sensitivity, acknowledging the emotional and familial connections that these sites represent.
Recent observations by UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin have provided a glimmer of hope. In September, she visited two cemeteries actively undergoing restoration: a Turkish Cypriot burial ground in Tochni, within the Larnaca district, and a Greek Cypriot cemetery in Palaikythro, located in the Nicosia district of the north. Following her visits, Holguin expressed her encouragement, noting, "greatly encouraged to hear directly from both Ktoris and Tuncay about the progress achieved in the restoration process of cemeteries." Sotos Ktoris, the Greek Cypriot co-chairman of the committee, was also present during these site visits, underscoring the collaborative nature of the project.
Looking ahead, the initiative is designed to be sustainable. Once the initial, foundational restoration tasks are completed, there are plans to offer families the option to contribute financially towards the individual restoration of specific graves, thereby further personalising the care and maintenance of these important sites. This phased approach suggests a long-term commitment to preserving Cyprus's shared heritage and fostering a more harmonious future, one meticulously repaired tombstone at a time.