The Byzantine Museum in Nicosia, Cyprus
The Byzantine Museum in Nicosia, Cyprus, has launched a compelling new exhibit that showcases early Christian relics steeped in history. These artifacts, including mosaics and icons, were originally looted during the 1974 Turkish invasion, crossing into the black market following large-scale thefts from churches across the island.
Museum director, Dr. Ioannis Eliades, revealed that over 20,000 icons have disappeared due to looting, highlighting the museum’s ongoing quest to recover many stolen items.
Exhibit Highlights
- A collection of rare 6th-century mosaics from the Church of Panagia Kanakaria, which survived the Byzantine emperors‘ ban on religious imagery.
- Many pieces, once chopped up and sold illegally, were later retrieved from private collections, showcasing the resilience of Cyprus’s rich heritage.
Eliades emphasizes the importance of educating younger generations about this dark period, urging everyone to appreciate and safeguard their cultural treasures.
For more insights into Cyprus’s intriguing history and heritage, explore our Lifestyle section at foxnews.com/lifestyle.
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