The co-chairman for the bicommunal Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage Ali Tuncay has that conservation works had been carried out on more than 80 sites across the island since the committee first launched its work in 2008.

In an interview with the TAK news agency on Sunday, Tuncay said that so far the restoration or conservation of 20 mosques, two historic hamams (Turkish baths) and one aqueduct had been completed.

He said that there were projects currently underway to repair walls as well as preserve archaeological sites and restore various churches.

Tuncay however added that one of the most significant projects which the technical committee has fulfilled was the restoration work carried out at the ancient city of Salamis.

He also announced the tender for repairs on the Canbulat (Arsenal) Bastion which had been cancelled due to difficulties in acquiring the stones needed for repairs was now newly opened.

“In addition to these projects, work on the old walls of Lefkoşa and Gazimağusa as well as the Girne Castle will continue. We are also working on creating a mechanism that will allow the sustainable maintenance of the restored sites,” he said.

The Turkish Cypriot co-chair also explained that the pilot project that allows a virtual 3D tour of the Othello Castle has been up an operational since November.

Tuncay said that the work carried out by the technical committee on the basis of equality between the two sides was a good example of how cooperation could be carried out.