Historical records connect the site to the Lusignan era, while Ottoman decrees granted the monastery protection, tax exemptions and rights to cultivate orchards around the complex.
Zartarian described such privileges as remarkable for a Christian institution during the Ottoman era, most likely due to the cordial relations at the time between the Armenian community and the Turks.
Advocates argue the monastery reflects the island’s multicultural and multi religious history and forms part of Cyprus’ intangible historical identity.
In his presentation, Zartarian emphasised that “the restoration of Sourp Magar carries meaning beyond the survival of stone walls,” he said.
“It represents an act of respect toward the past and a responsibility toward the future.”
He said that when restored, the monastery would stand as “proof that Cypriots chose preservation over neglect, responsibility over indifference and mutual respect instead of religious intolerance”.
The fundraising campaign is being organised by a special committee established by Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian of the Armenian Church of Cyprus as well as the Armenian community representative in parliament, Vartkes Mahdessian.
The committee has spent recent months engaging with both Armenian and international organisations in Cyprus as well as overseas to raise awareness and secure financial support.
The recent event in the Armenian Prelature in Strovolos brought together members of the Armenian, Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot, Maronite and Latin communities.
Presentations included scientific analysis of the wood used in the monastery’s construction and digital modelling work carried out by researchers from the Cyprus Institute, alongside updates on the restoration project proposed by both the TCHH and UNDP Cyprus.
Zartarian said the successful completion of the Sourp Magar renovation project demonstrates how heritage preservation can function as a bridge between communities.
“This is exactly the mission of the Technical Committee of which I am a proud member. We believe that the same hands that repair minarets can repair bell towers and that working together as Cypriots, we can preserve our heritage.”
He also stressed the broader significance of protecting monuments across the island regardless of political divisions.
“The heritage does not belong only to one community, it belongs to all Cypriots and, ultimately, to humanity,” he remarked.
Sourp Magar remained active well into the 20th century and served as a spiritual and social centre for Armenian Cypriots.
Families gathered there for pilgrimages, baptisms and summer visits, while scouts and youth groups stayed on site during community activities.
Following the Turkish invasion of 1974, Armenian Cypriots lost access to the monastery and the site gradually deteriorated to a state of near ruin.
Zartarian said there is still time to save the monastery if financial support is secured quickly.
He ended his presentation with a passionate appeal to the Armenian community and to all Cypriots, to come together and contribute to the renovation project with pledges by July 31, 2026.
“We set this deadline, so that tenders can be announced and new contractor appointed by the end of this year. This is not just about stones and mortar,” he remarked, “it is about memory, identity and our responsibility to those who came before us and those who shall come after us,” he said.
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Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/05/13/campaign-underway-to-save-armenian-sourp-magar-monastery-from-collapse/