Neumann, Hans-Rudolf Zypern

Today's divided Cyprus was a place in the Middle East that was repeatedly the scene of violent clashes due to the clash of different religions. Structural measures were taken to maximise protec-tion for the rulers of the city and the country. The study tour focussed on the fortresses of the Cru-saders and above all the Venetian and Ottoman bastion fortifications in both parts of the country.
One of the few institutions working towards reunification is the "Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage in Cyprus (TCCH)", to which the Cypriot population owes the renovation, restoration and cultural utilisation of its historical monuments. In conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union regularly contributes funds to keep these restoration pro-cesses going. In the area of fortress restoration, important restoration projects have been realised in recent years in Nicosia and Famagusta, in particular at the Ravelin, the Martinengo Bastion and the Othello Fortress. Corresponding funding and activities can also be seen in the Greek part. The Eu-ropean Union remains committed to the possibility of reunification, which is to be achieved primarily through a return to the common heritage.
The travel documentation transforms this process for interested experts using an expressive se-quence of images and comprehensive literature research, while at the same time pointing out the high touristic potential of the fortified heritage.