A Sustainable Cultural Heritage in Cyprus: Kirklar Tomb with its Architectural and Historical Identity

Abstract

Kirklar Tomb, which is in Kirklar village in Cyprus, is considered among the Ottoman period convents in the island. However, it shows differences from other Ottoman period convents in both its place and its architecture. The tomb area under the ground level, accessed through the prayer room, is made of a central corridor and two side corridors housing tombs. Considered a holy place and visited by both Muslims and Christians on the island, the tomb houses the tombs of soldiers who were martyred during the Arab raids on Cyprus. Another narrative tells that the tombs belong to saints who were spreading Christianity in Cyprus. During the restoration works carried out in the convent, animal and geometric mosaics and remains of a column base were revealed in the roof of the tomb, belonging to early Christianity period, and dated V. and VI. Centuries. These findings hint to a three nave basilica. The findings, opinions, and claims of authors from different religions on the place of the shire were also examined. In the all these studies, our views on the sustainability of the possible original state of the Kirklar ttomb, in line with our findings regarding its location, architectural features and architectural findings here, have been presented.

Keywords: Cyprus, tomb, Kirklar, Ottoman, cultural heritage.