PROPOSAL FOR CONSERVATION & RENOVATION OF SOURP MAGAR MONASTERY ( Սուրբ Մակարայ Վանք, Αρμενική Μονή Αγίου Μακαρίου, Ermeni Manastırı ) Scan QR code or click here for 5 min 2018 video clip EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Historical religious and cultural site L ocated in the Pentadaktylos/ Alevkaya mountain range, f ounded in 11th century , with ownership passed to the Armenian Church in 15 th century. Sourp Magar is cherished by Armenians and has special meaning for all Cypri ots and Christian s. • Abandoned for 52 years and at risk The monastery was forcefully deserted in August 1974 and since then, its walls and roofs have decayed and collapsed. In 2016, the Cyprus Department of Antiquities designated the site as a ‘ Schedule B Ancient Monument’, but until today it is in peril due to e xposure to the elements • Significance and potential Once a thriving pilgrimage site and communal hub, Sourp Magar’s restoration would not only save a priceless medieval architecture but also serve as a powerful platform for intercommunal healing and heritage tourism. Reviving the monastery can bring Armenian, Greek, and Turkish Cypriots together in celebrating a shared history. • Estimated Budget It is estimated that a total of €1.5 million is required for stabilization, conservation and renovation of the site: €1.0m for stabilization to halt structural failure and restoration of chapel and rooms and a further € 0.5m to repair and rebuild the roofs and make the site usable and safe for pilgrims and visitors • Urgent call to action Immediate intervention is needed to stabilize the structures before irreparable loss occurs , to halt the deterioration and launch the revival of this irreplaceable cultural heritage treasure. Click on map to see the location or scan QR code P HASE 1 (Jan 20 26 – Dec 20 26 ) PLANNING & FUND - RAISING • Project team and governance The Armenian Church of Cyprus created an ad - hoc Sourp Magar Monastery Renovation Committee (SMMRC) to navigate political and financial challenges of the project. This Committee will cooperate with the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage ( TCCH ) and the UNDP Cyprus to support the renovation project and raise funds. • Stakeholder alignment SMMRC will introduce its mission to key stakeholders including: Armenian church leaders and NGOs ; Republic of Cyprus authorities, religious leaders and NGOs; Turkish Cypriot community leaders, religious leaders and NGOs; and international heritage organizations. • Donor agreements and receipt of funds SMMRC will finalize donor pledges by 31 st July 2026 for minimum of € 500,000 to repair and rebuild the roofs and make the site usable and safe for pilgrims and visitors. This amount will be received by 30 th October 2026 , before the call for tenders, so work on the site can start in early 2027. • Technical plans and agreements TCCH/UNDP will revise the architectural and technical plans , prepare new tender documents, apply for building permits , announce call for tenders, select contractors, appoint project team. P HASE 2 (Jan 20 27 – Sep 20 27 ) STABILISATION & RENOVATION • Site setup, security, debris removal Preparations will start perimeter fencing, warning signage, crew facilities, clearing of debris, fallen roof timbers, unstable rubble, and invasive vegetation. • Structural shoring, roofing and drainage Propping of vulnerable structures at risk of collapse with scaffolds and steel supports, temporary protection with stretch tarpaulins or corrugated sheets over exposed sections, drainage paths so rainwater does not gather around foundations to shield the structure from water damage. • Masonry restoration and roof reconstruction Rebuild collapsed walls reusing original stones collected earlier or similar stones. Where walls are cracked but standing, insert reinforcement rods to strengthen them discreetly. Stabilize faded wall paintings and inscriptions. Clean and restore stone carvings and inscription plaques. Repair or replace features like door frames, window frames, or columns. Install new timber roof structures and cover roofs of the chapel and rooms with terracotta tiles. Discreetly install without changing the character of the site, electrical conduits (to support low - key lighting and security cameras), water tank and piping for small kitchen and restrooms • Make site ready for site visit Prepare site for visit by stakeholders and donors in September 2027 to review work done and to be informed about the next phase starting in 2028 CONCLUDING REMARKS For 52 years, Sourp Magar has stood alone and abandoned. Weathering storms, earthquakes and vandalism with no guardianship. Each winter accelerates masonry loss and each illicit trespass chips away at its dignity. With decisive intervention, we can convert a derelict symbol of division into a beacon of cooperation and peace - building. Every euro donated will: • Save the only surviving Armenian monastery in the Europe • Create a space where Cypriot schoolchildren can learn about their heritage • Improve livelihoods of local villagers and promote sustainable eco - tourism • Prove that cultural justice and peace can triumph over religious intolerance NOW is the right time for action because: • TCCH/UNDP are familiar with the site and detailed plans are ready • Faith leaders and heritage experts agree that the site needs urgent action • Cyprus government and the EU have signaled willingness to contribute • Armenian NGOs are interested to fund stages of restoration and activation Saving Sourp Magar Monastery is far more than a construction project. It is an investment in hope, unity, and cultural resilience. Restoring this ancient monastery will restore a sense of continuity and dignity to a cherished piece of Cyprus’s multicultural history. The monastery’s resurrection will become a testament that after decades of neglect, people of goodwill can come together to reclaim their shared heritage and create a space for prayer, education, and inter - cultural dialogue. Dear friends, we invite you to partner with us in memory of the countless faithful who for decades kept a candle burning in this holy monastery. With your support we can light a candle of hope and peace in Cyprus and in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean. With your help, we can convert Sourp Magar Monastery to become a beacon of faith and reconciliation for generations to come. A P P E N D I X 1. POLITICAL BACKGROUND 2. ARMENIAN CHURCH OF CYPRUS 3. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS 2018 - 2019 4. HISTORICAL & CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE 5. PHOTOGRAPHS 1903 – 1974 6. PHOTOGRAPHS 201 8 – 2025 POLITICAL BACKGROUND According to Protocol 10 of EU Act of Accession, all of the island of Cyprus entered the European Union in May 2004, but it as recognised that de facto the island is divided into two areas: one area under the effective control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus and another area not under the effective control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Sourp Magar monastery is located in the area not under effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. This area, administered by a Turkish Cypriot ‘government’ which is not recognised internationally, has a large number of immigrants from Türkiye and a heavy presence of the Turkish army. Any references to Turkish Cypriot authorities and local administration in this document does not imply recognition or acceptance of their de jure status. Any references to place names are for reference purposes only and does not imply political recognition. 2012 Publication by Cyprus PIO ‘ Cultural Heritage in Occupied Cyprus ’ “Window On Cyprus ” 332 - page book published by Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2015 ARMENIAN CHURCH IN CYPRUS Armenian Church of Cyprus was established in 973 AD and since then has maintained a continuous presence on the island. The antiquity of the Church is confirmed by a papal bull issued in 1519 AD by Pope Leo X , according to which the Armenian Prelate would be senior to the Maronite , Jacobite and Coptic Prelates. “ Armenian Church of Famagusta and the Complexity of Cypriot Heritage, Prayers Long Silent ”, by Michael J.K. Walsh published 2017 “ Holy Mother of God Armenian Church in Famagusta ” by Dickran Kouymjian , published 2012 2016 Publication by Cyprus PIO ‘ Armenians of Cyprus ’ Armenian Church in Cyprus, Wikipedia The Church is under the jurisdiction of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, based in Beirut, Lebanon. In the past, it has been under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem (1775 - 1799, 1812 - 1837, 1848 - 1861, 1865 - 1877, 1888 - 1897, 1898 - 1908), the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople (1759 - 1775, 1799 - 1812, 1861 - 1864, 1877 - 1888, 1897 - 1898, 1908 - 1921), and the Catholicosate of Etchmiadzin, based in Armenia (1864 - 1865). Source: Wikipedia DETAILED PLANS – TCCH/UNDP 2018 Source of designs: TCCH/UNDP Presentation to Armenian Prelature Click Terms of Reference or scan QR code for Sourp Magar Monastery Rehabilitation and Conservation Design DETAILED PLANS – TCCH/UNDP 2018 Source of designs: TCCH/UNDP Presentation to Armenian Prelature Click Announcement or scan QR code for news of Emergency Works to start early 2020 HERITAGE LAYER KEY POINTS RELEVANCE Armenian & Diaspora Spiritual site for over 1000 years, safe - haven for medieval travelers to Jerusalem, orphanage and home for Armenian refugees and pilgrims until 1974 Site has emotional memories for the Armenian - Cypriots living in Cyprus and overseas Greek - Cypriot Appreciated for medieval gothic masonry and Lusignan - era legends (King Hugh IV sought refuge here, 1348 AD); included in the Republic of Cyprus Schedule B Monuments list (2016). Reinforces the narrative of the island’s rich multi - cultural, multi - religious heritage and history of welcoming others Turkish - Cypriot & Ottoman Known locally as ‘Mavi Manastır’ (Blue Monastery) because of its blue doors and windows; enjoyed Ottoman tax - exempt firmans (1642 - 1701); has potential to be one of the flagship sites for cultural tourism and eco - tourism Renovation, activation of site aligns with EU (and TC) strategy for sustainable development and high value cultural tourism International Christian Site is rare standing witness to Coptic, Armenian, Crusader - era and Ottoman history; important stop - over for Eastern Mediterranean pilgrimage route; well - known by Christian leaders and historians big pool of support and possible funding from global churches and Christian related funds HISTORICAL/CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE QR code for article by AM Hadjilyra in Massispost QR code for article by Dr Mavrakis in Armenian Weekly PHOTOGRAPHS 1903 - 1974 - 1 Photographs from: Armenian Prelature archives PHOTOGRAPHS 1903 - 1974 - 2 Photographs from: Armenian Prelature archives and friends PHOTOGRAPHS PILGRIMS 2018 - 2019 Click link to see Gibrahayer Album 1 Click link to see Gibrahayer Album 2 PHOTOGRAPHS - 2019 Photograph Credits: Simon Aynedjian, Downloaded from Gibrahayer e - Magazine Facebook Page PHOTOGRAPHS - 2019 Photograph Credits: Simon Aynedjian, Downloaded from Gibrahayer e - Magazine Facebook Page PHOTOGRAPHS – MAY 2025 Photographs by: Nicolas Christou PHOTOGRAPHS – MAY 2025 Photographs by: Nicolas Christou