By general consensus, Nicosia’s most beautiful streets are Gladstonos, Vyronos, and Markou Drakou. These streets, more than any others, have managed to preserve their identity, largely defined by their original buildings: stone houses built over a century ago, large courtyards, and tree-filled gardens.
Until the 1980s, Makarios Avenue presented a similar picture. However, one by one, these houses were demolished, making way for graceless apartment blocks.
Many of these now stand empty, as if in divine retribution meant to teach us a lesson – to show us “look how the city could have been, and what you’ve reduced it to”.
Yet despite the fact that the remaining beautiful houses are now highly sought after, their value cannot compete with what a tower block of dozens of flats or a hotel might yield. And the private owner, the businessman, the developer will count the money.
Those who should be counting the real value – historical and cultural – are the authorities, who must take steps to protect what remains.
The Interior Minister describes the house demolished at the corner of Arnaldas and Stasinou as “notable, but…” The Regional Governor and former Mayor of Nicosia says the demolition permit for this particular building was issued by Nicosia Municipality before the Local Government Reform and the creation of the new licensing authorities.
In other words, the demolition permit was granted during his mayoralty, but he claims neither he nor the Municipality is at fault – rather, it’s the Town Planning Department’s fault for not declaring it a listed building.
The Town Planning Department has said absolutely nothing. Neither has the new mayor. Not even an expression of regret.
Perhaps they agree with the licensing authority that “the owner has the legal right to develop their property in accordance with current legislation, without risk of arbitrary deprivation”.
Of course, we all agree with property rights. However, municipal and state authorities have the right – and duty – to intervene to safeguard important elements of our cultural heritage, while compensating owners. Otherwise, everything will be lost.
Some buildings will mysteriously burn down, others will be demolished in the dead of night. In a few years, nothing will remain except high-rise buildings.
These may stand empty, without residents, without users, without life, but some will have profited from their construction. Is this what sustainable development means? Is this what we call green economy – complete nonsense?
At least those who demolish these buildings are conscious of the barbarism they’re committing, carrying out their acts in darkness like all criminals do.
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