Karavas, Cyprus. The municipality of Karavas condemned what it described as the systematic destruction of historic buildings in the coastal town, calling on the international community to “assume its responsibilities”. It said the demolitions target the town’s historical memory, cultural heritage and identity.
Municipality cites recent demolition and other incidents
In a statement issued on Monday, the municipality said it had learned of the demolition of a manor house in Karavas belonging to Grigoris Hadjilambrou, a former town mayor from 1908 to 1926.
The municipality said the demolition was not an isolated incident, pointing to two other examples of old buildings being demolished. It described the demolitions as a deliberate attempt to alter and erase the historic presence of the legitimate residents of Karavas.
Calls for international intervention and notes local protests
The municipality said local Turkish Cypriots are also protesting what it called destructive actions. It called on the United Nations, the European Union and international organisations to “immediately and tangibly assume their responsibilities” and to stop what it described as cultural plunder and the destruction of historic heritage.
The municipality said it would continue to speak out “until the day we return to our homes and our land”.
Sites listed as derelict
On its website, the municipality lists buildings and sites it says have been left derelict, including the parish church of Saint George, the archaeological site of Lambousa, and the Karavas cemetery.
What steps should international organisations take in response to reports of historic buildings being demolished in Karavas?