Cyprus Showcases Recovered Religious Artifacts in New Museum Exhibition
The Byzantine Museum of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation in Nicosia has unveiled an exhibition featuring rare early Christian artworks recovered after being looted during the 1974 Turkish invasion. The collection includes mosaics, icons, and frescoes, many of which were illicitly removed from churches in Northern Cyprus and later reclaimed from private collections abroad.
Dr. Ioannis Eliades, the museum's director, highlighted the extensive cultural loss suffered during the invasion, with over 20,000 icons reported stolen. Among the showcased pieces are 6th-century mosaics from the Church of Panagia Kanakaria, which were documented before the conflict and subsequently retrieved after being trafficked internationally.
The exhibition aims to educate visitors about the destruction of Cyprus's cultural heritage and underscore the importance of safeguarding and recovering such artifacts. By spotlighting these restored treasures, the museum seeks to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges in preserving the island's rich historical legacy.
Market Cyprus - News Service
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