Newsroom
The Municipality of Karavas has issued a strong condemnation over what it describes as a continuing campaign of demolitions targeting historic Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied town of Karavas.
According to an official statement, municipal authorities learned on Sunday, 15 February, that the mansion belonging to Grigoris Hatzilambrou, who served as Mayor of Karavas from 1908 to 1926, had been torn down. The municipality says the building was part of the town’s architectural and historical legacy and its destruction represents another blow to the area’s cultural identity.
Local officials stressed that the incident is not isolated, linking it to other recent demolitions in Karavas, including the former home of the late Giorgos Pogiatzis (known as Kontylis) and the mansion of Lefteris Hatzistefanou. The municipality argues that these actions reflect a deliberate effort to erase the historical presence of Karavas’ lawful residents who were displaced following the 1974 Turkish invasion.
In its statement, the municipality described the demolitions as unlawful and in violation of international legal principles and cultural heritage protections. It also emphasized that the destruction of private homes and landmark buildings is an attack not only on property, but on memory, dignity, and the continuity of the community.
The Municipality of Karavas also noted that Turkish Cypriot residents in the area have reportedly voiced opposition to the demolitions, saying this demonstrates that the damage affects the broader local environment and heritage, not only displaced Greek Cypriots.
Calling for international intervention, the municipality appealed to the United Nations, the European Union, and other international bodies to take immediate and decisive action to halt what it described as cultural plunder in occupied Cyprus.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that Karavas’ displaced residents will continue to speak out until they are able to return to their homes under conditions of freedom, justice, and security.
