CYPRUS SEMINAR Eradicating the past: Turkey’s assault on the cultural heritage of Cyprus

INVITATION

LOBBY FOR CYPRUS SEMINAR

Eradicating the past: Turkey’s assault

on the cultural heritage of Cyprus

Wednesday 17 July 2013 at 7.30pm

LOBBY FOR CYPRUS SEMINAR

Speakers

Glafkos Kariolou – Mayor of Turkish occupied Kyrenia

The Hon Jim Karygiannis PC MP – Liberal Member of the Canadian House of Commons

Tasoula Hadjitofi – founder of Walk of Truth

Costas Frangeskides – Lobby for Cyprus

Chaired by Nick Kounoupias – Lobby for Cyprus

 In the summer of 1974 Turkey invaded and ethnically cleansed the northern areas of Cyprus, in violation of international law and the ethical principles of civilized conduct. Since 1974, Turkey has unlawfully and unethically occupied those areas in defiance of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. A disturbing feature of the post-1974 epoch has been Turkey’s assault and neglect of the rich cultural heritage of the areas under its illegal occupation. Turkey has engaged in an obvious programme of de-Hellenisation, de-Christianization, Turkification and Islamisation of the areas. This ethnic cleansing has not only had adverse consequences for Hellenism, but also for the Armenian, Maronite, Jewish and others who formed part of the landscape of pre-1974 northern Cyprus. Among other crimes, ancient sites have been vandalized, churches, synagogues and cemeteries have been desecrated, mosaics have been ripped out and icons have been looted and illegally sold on the black-market abroad. All of which this is not only an affront to the dignity of those who were forcibly uprooted in 1974, but also a violation of international law such as The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property 1954. It is about time Turkey was held accountable for its crimes.

The seminar is part of Cyprus Week at Theatro Technis, which will mark 39 years since the Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern part of the Republic of Cyprus. Admission to the seminar is free.

Venue

Theatro Technis, 26 Crowndale Road, London NW1 1TTNearest tube Mornington Crescent

rsvp

020 8888 2556

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Lobby for Cyprus is a non-party-political organisation with the aim of reuniting Cyprus

 Hon. Jim Karygiannis P.C., M.P.

3850 Finch Ave E #206
Toronto Ontario M1T 3T6 (416) 321 5454
Canada