Newsroom
The Municipality of Paralimni–Deryneia has formally opened a public tender for the construction of a new memorial site dedicated to the Genocide of the Pontian Greeks, marking a significant step in commemorating one of the most tragic chapters of Hellenism’s modern history.
The planned memorial will be located in the Paralimni municipal district and will center on a sculptural work by acclaimed artist Giorgos Kikotis. According to municipal authorities, the monument is scheduled to be officially unveiled on 19 May 2026, a date of profound symbolic importance as it coincides with the National Day of Remembrance of the Pontian Greek Genocide. The unveiling ceremony will be conducted by the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
The Pontian Greek Genocide refers to the systematic persecution, deportations, and mass killings of Greek populations living in the Pontus region of the Black Sea during the final years of the Ottoman Empire, between 1914 and 1923. Historians estimate that hundreds of thousands of Pontian Greeks lost their lives through executions, death marches, famine, and forced displacement. The events are officially recognized as genocide by Greece, Cyprus, and several other countries, and are commemorated annually on 19 May.
Design plans for the site have already received the necessary approval from the Monuments Committee. The municipality publicly acknowledged the committee’s swift cooperation, noting that the approved design includes a detailed, photorealistic visualization of the monument in its final setting. Beyond the sculpture itself, the project envisions the transformation of the surrounding area into a landscaped public square, complete with greenery and tree planting, creating a space for reflection, remembrance, and public gathering.
Funding for the memorial is being shared between the Republic of Cyprus and the Municipality of Paralimni–Deryneia, underscoring the project’s national as well as local significance.
Interested contractors have been invited to submit bids through the official tender process, with the submission deadline set for 30 January 2026, when the competition will formally conclude. Municipal officials emphasized that the project aims not only to honor historical memory but also to establish a lasting landmark that will educate future generations and serve as a focal point for commemorative events.
https://www.eprocurement.gov.cy/epps/cft/prepareViewCfTWS.do?resourceId=8270257
