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A €700,000 program is under way to restore cemeteries along the Green Line, the United Nations-controlled buffer zone that divides the island.
More than 50 years after the 1974 Turkish invasion, communities on both sides are working together to repair burial grounds that were left neglected or damaged.
Restoration work has so far begun at 15 cemeteries within the buffer zone, with discussions taking place about extending the project.
Following the events of 1974, many churches, mosques and cemeteries were abandoned, vandalized or fell into disrepair. For decades, relatives were unable to visit family graves on the other side to pay their respects.
“People come to our village to see their graves, their houses, to learn where their ancestors are,” said Haroula Efstratiou, president of the Greek Cypriot community of Tochni. “Just as we ask for respect for our dead and our religion, I believe we owe the same respect to others.”
Murudeh Erzen, president of the Turkish Cypriot community of Palaikythro, also emphasized the importance of mutual respect. “We want to make another arrangement,” Erzen said. “We want to protect our places again, our mosques, our churches.”
The restoration initiative, financed by the European Union, began in May.
With information from Euronews.
