The Commission attributes great importance to the preservation of cultural heritage in Cyprus and regularly raises the importance of safeguarding sites of cultural and religious significance.

Under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, the Commission supports the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH).

Since 2012, the Commission has provided EUR 32.5 million to support the work of the Committee, which has restored, conserved or protected more than 180 cultural sites across Cyprus. The United Nations Development Programme implements the EU funding.

EU funding for the TCCH is regularly mentioned in the annual reports on the implementation of the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community[1].

Concerning the Sourp Magar monastery, a Rehabilitation Plan and Conservation Design was included in the TCCH works programme.in 2018, but not completed due to Covid-19.

The Commission understands that the TCCH still intends to proceed with the conservation works. The TCCH is currently undertaking efforts to secure the funding needed, which would come from the EU and from other sources, including from the local communities concerned.

The Commission welcomes the continuing efforts of the TCCH.

Last updated: 20 June 2025