CNA
Takis Hadjidemetriou, who stepped down this week from his position as co-chair of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, has told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that he still feels dedication towards the work of the Committee, and welcomed the appointment of Dr. Sotos Ktoris as the new co-chair of the Committee.
“I still feel dedication towards this issue and I will not move away from it, I will continue to follow it as much as I can, but naturally, due to my age, I cannot do so as much as I could in the past,” Hadjidemetriou told the Cyprus News Agency. He noted that “after 14 years of service, I think the Committee can function without me.”
Asked about the important projects fulfilled by the Committee, he referred to ancient Salamis, where all mosaics and ancient findings were preserved, and the Ayios Epiphanios and Kampanopetra basilicas.
“The Apostolos Andreas monastery also has a hugely symbolic character, as does Othello’s tower in Famagusta, which is linked to a different time and place, with art on a global level, since it’s linked with Shakespeare and Giuseppe Verdi,” he added.
Hadjidemetriou said that even smaller works, such as the religious sites at Ayios Theodoros and Ayia Marina in Kormakitis, “offered a world of knowledge and new information on the area, revealing new and unique frescos.”
On the work carried out at the Saint Panteleimon Monastery in Myrtou, he said that upon its completion, he felt that a religious “axis was created”, between Saint Panteleimon and the Apostolos Andreas monasteries.
At the same time, he warned that because time has passed since restoration work on the monastery was carried out, and because of its isolation, it would need to be monitored so that it can be well-maintained.
“With our actions as the bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, we enriched Cypriot history, art and tradition,” he said.
Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, will award Hadjidemetriou the Medal for Exceptional Service in a special ceremony at the Presidential Palace, as recognition for his contribution to the preservation of Cyprus’ cultural heritage.