In a uniquely historical setting and in the true spirit of multicultural collaboration, the U.S. and French Ambassadors to Cyprus joined the French Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association to celebrate the opening of its new cultural center in the historic Arabahmet neighborhood of Nicosia on Thursday, October 16, 2008. Through a small grant from the Supporting Activities that Value the Environment (SAVE) project, USAID teamed up with the French Embassy and the French Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association to save a historic Ottoman house—itself a symbol of Cyprus’ multicultural past—and transform it into a beautifully restored center for learning and cultural events. The center will be a venue for community activities and cross cultural dialogue and learning. The project also complements previous investments in the revitalization of the Arabahmet neighborhood, one of Nicosia’s most historically diverse.

After introductory remarks by the French Ambassador Nicolas Galey, U.S. Ambassador Frank C. Urbancic, Mr. Ozdil Nami, SAVE’s Chief of Party Barbara Rossmiller and the President of the French Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association, the group cut a ribbon at the door of the newly renovated Ottoman house and presented certificates to students who have been studying French in Cyprus and music and photography in Paris, thanks to EU grant assistance. The evening’s celebration also included a photo exhibition and a musical performance by the students.

The house that will serve as the new home of the French Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association was built in 1896 and has been in the Effendi family since 1910. When its last inhabitant, a French-educated descendent, died in 2000, the family decided to give the house to the French Turkish Cultural Association to use. The nine-month restoration included the repair and replacement of the roof, repair of the wooden ceiling, replacement of the middle flooring and repaving with Cypriot marble, the reversal of several “modern” architectural features to restore its traditional character, and the upgrading of lighting, plumbing, and wiring to accommodate its use in the 21st century.

While preserving a piece of Cyprus’ cultural heritage, the center will contribute to Cyprus’ future by becoming a center for research, learning and exchange; by serving as a public library; and a space for community outreach and discussion on topics related to France and to the EU. Understanding and accommodating another’s ways, language, and culture are fundamental to the ultimate success of any modern, global, multicultural society.

This restoration was part of SAVE’s overall work to build local capacity and better protect and manage Cyprus’ valuable natural and cultural resources. Like all U.S.-funded programs in Cyprus, SAVE is aimed at facilitating reunification of the island.