CAMPAIGN TO CONSERVE AND RENOVATE SOURP MAGAR MONASTERY 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 , ownership passed to the Armenian Church in 1 5 th century. Sourp Magar is cherished by Armenians and it has special meaning for all Cypriots and the global Christian community • 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 an UNESCO ‘Schedule B Ancient Monument’, but until today it remains a crumbling ruin, in peril due to decades of exposure to the elements and vandalism. • 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. • Urgent call to action Immediate intervention is needed to stabilize the structures before irreparable loss occurs. Swift action is necessary 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 WHY NOW ? 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: • T echnical Committee on Cultural Heritage in Cyprus and UNDP Cyprus are familiar with the site and detailed plans were prepared in 2018 • 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. 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 BEFORE 1974 Photographs from: Armenian Prelature archives PHOTOGRAPHS BEFORE 1974 Photographs from: Armenian Prelature archives and friends PHOTOGRAPHS PILGRIMS 2014 - 2016 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 – 2025 Photographs by: Nicolas Christou PHOTOGRAPHS – 2025 Photographs by: Nicolas Christou