Nicosia, Cyprus. Armenian church representatives, heritage experts and community members have renewed calls for urgent restoration of the historic Sourp Magar monastery, warning parts of the complex risk collapse.
Site and current condition
The monastery, also known as Magaravank, is located in the Pentadaktylos mountains overlooking the Kyrenia coastline and has remained dilapidated since the Turkish Invasion of 1974. Restoration advocates say roofs have collapsed, walls are cracking and vegetation is penetrating the structure, putting sections at risk of irreversible loss.
Community and fundraising efforts
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail after a fundraising event at the Armenian Prelature in Strovolos, renovation committee chairman Parsy Zartarian described the site as part of Cyprus’ shared history rather than solely an Armenian monument. The project has drawn growing interest from local organisations and the wider Armenian diaspora abroad.
Since the fundraising campaign launched in January 2026, the bicommunal technical committee on cultural heritage (TCCH) has pledged financial support from Cypriot and overseas institutions for €1 million, with a further €500,000 targeted to meet the current objective.
Project history and delays
Zartarian said restoration plans were advanced through the TCCH in 2018, with tenders issued in 2019. Work started in early 2020 but stalled after the Covid pandemic and later due to contractual disputes between the contractor and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Renewed momentum
Zartarian said the project was revived in 2025 through online campaigns using #SaveSourpMagar to raise awareness. He added that in April 2025, President Nikos Christodoulides appointed him as the first Armenian Cypriot member of the TCCH, which he said indicated the monastery had returned to the agenda.
What steps do you think should be prioritised to prevent further deterioration of the monastery?
