An article published in Country Life on 18 August 1934, written by Robert Byron refers to the report of the Committee on the preservation of monuments in Cyprus and mentions various suggestions that should be taken into account.
Most importantly, it speaks of Famagusta which should be treated as a single monument. An immediate expenditure of £2,000 is suggested, to clear the hovels in the vicinity of the buildings being obstructed, to find alternative accommodation for the preposterous use to which the churches and fortifications have been subjected and to provide guards and guidebooks for the city. Eventually, a restoration project should be created.
Surely the British can follow suit to the extent of removing without further delay, including the grotesque neo-gothic minaret which now disfigured the west façade of St Nicolas Cathedral.
© Costas and Rita Severis Foundation
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