The Byzantine Museum in Nicosia in Cyprus has opened a new exhibition in the center of the early Christian relic with a distinct history.
Many artifacts were once stolen by robbers and traffic on the black market after the 1974 Turkish invasion, Reuters reported.
Mysterious pyramids, ancient bronze coins discovered by archaeologists
Mosaics, icons and wall frescoes were found after stolen from the churches north of the island.
The new exhibition in Cyprus shows the ancient religious relics that were previously stolen and sold in the black market during the 1970s invasion. (Reuters/Yiannis Kourtoglou)
The museum is still looking for many of stolen objectsAccording to the Museum’s director, Reuters Ioannis Eliades reported.
“The ad, the destruction was largely … We calculated that more than 20,000 icons were stolen and disappeared from the churches,” Eliades said.
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Cyprus gained independence from British rule in 1960, but Greek-Turkish Cypriot Tension led to violence, and Turkey intervened in 1974 after a Greek stroke and seized more than a third of the island, according to the CIA World Factbook book.
The museum is still looking for many stolen items, according to the director of the Ioannis Eliades Museum, Reuters reported. (Reuters/Yiannis Kourtoglou)
Turkish north was named independent in 1983, but only recognized Turkey.
Cyprus joined European Union In 2004, but the EU laws are applied only in areas under the control of the Government, notes in the fact of fact.
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Mosaics since the beginning of the 6th century Church Panagia Kanakaria in Lyrangomi was presented and archaeologists were known as rare, survivors when the Byzantine emperors banned the use of religious images.
“The ad, the destruction was largely … We calculated that more than 20,000 icons were stolen and disappeared from churches,” Eliades said. (Reuters/Yiannis Kourtoglou)
A representation of Christ, Virgin MaryArchangels and the apostles were chopped into pieces and sold in the black market in the late 1970s.
Most of these works were later discovered in private collections that Cypriot officials were acquired after the litigation.
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“We want a new generation to understand what happened Our islandand why is it important to protect even the smallest piece we can bring [home]”Eliades added.
Reuters contributed to this report.
