‘Vandals’ blamed for Gazimağusa damage
SIGNS providing directions to popular tourist attractions in Gazimağusa have been “deliberately damaged” by “vandals”, the vice chair of the Gazimağusa Walled City Association (Masder) Serdar Atai has said.
Mr Atai noted that Masder signs in front of Othello Castle and a United Nations Development Programme sign in front of the Canbulat Museum were among those damaged recently.
Recalling that thieves who stole a bust of William Shakespeare in 2020 – since replaced with a new one – were never caught, Mr Atai warned that “vandals are a problem in Gazimağusa, the most important touristic region of North Cyprus with its rich cultural heritage”.
Mr Atai called on the “concerned parties” to take “urgent” measures.
“Lighting is imperative in this area,” he said. “In addition, security cameras should be placed at certain spots. The Antiquities and Museums Department, Gazimağusa Municipality and Gazimağusa District Governorship should take the necessary steps as soon as possible. Otherwise, such incidents will continue to occur.”
Mr Atai pointed out that Masder signs providing information about the “Lusignans, Venetians and Ottomans” have been vandalised several times since 2015.
“The signs that enrich the area and show the way to ancient artefacts have been rendered unusable,” he continued.
“We have had to make
major repairs four times since the day we put the signs up. It’s a shame. The repairs and replacement of the signs that were obtained with foreign aid and placed around the area put Masder in a difficult position. . . This time the signs were damaged at the spot where the bust of William Shakespeare was previously stolen.
“We condemn such vandalism and ask that the necessary measures be taken. As an association, we can’t keep up with the vandalism. They are vandalising new [signs] while the previously damaged ones are being restored.
“The signs are very useful guides that increase the visibility of cultural heritage and make it easier for visitors to get to these places.”