Sidestreets in Kyrenia – Conversations on Culture No. 19

Wednesday, 10 October, 2012 – Onar Village at 11am 

We have received the following information from Sidestreets which we are pleased to share with our readers and it sounds like one of those events not to be missed so telephone now to make your reservation.

“In a Contested Realm: Archaeology and Historical Architecture of Northern Cyprus”

 Dr. Allan Langdale

For its 19th event in the “Sidestreets in Kyrenia – Conversations on Culture” series, Sidestreets is pleased to present a lecture by Allan Langdale introducing his authoritative, newly published guide to the architectural and historical cultural heritage of the northern part of Cyprus.

 Allan Langdale’s guide surveys the remarkable history of one of the most culturally rich regions in the world. In this book, one can explore the ruins of ancient towns dating back 6000 years, descend into monumental tombs from the Bronze Age, and investigate centuries-old churches and monasteries, while also being delighted by marvellous sights such as an elegant 14th century French gothic cathedral, now a mosque, situated on the seashore merely 100 miles from the coast of Syria.

This book is more than a guide. Langdale’s text enlivens the archaeological sites and ancient buildings with the rich historical contexts relevant to each monument. Liberally augmented by compelling accounts of ancient voyagers, and generously illustrated by the author’s own photographs, this book is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the cultural heritage of Cyprus.

The extraordinary depth of history in this region has been ebbing from our consciousness for decades, preempted by Cyprus’s acutely contemporary political issues. “In a Contested Realm” gives new life to the area’s long architectural heritage, surveying prehistoric settlements, Greco-Roman cities, Byzantine castles, Gothic cathedrals, and village shrines situated in landscapes laden with history; all supplemented by the personal testimonies of travellers throughout the centuries.

 Allan Langdale has published six articles on the art and architecture of the north of Cyprus and, with Dan Frodsham, wrote, directed, and produced the award-winning documentary film “The Stones of Famagusta: the Story of a Forgotten City.” The book “In a Contested Realm” is his latest publication. Allan has taught art history at EMU and at the University of California at Santa Cruz.

There will be a limited number of books available at the time of the lecture so it is advisable that you reserve a book at the time you make your reservation at Sidestreets. Otherwise, the book is also available in Cyprus only at the Moufflon Bookshop: http://www.moufflon.com.cy , or can also be ordered from http://www.amazon.co.uk, http://www.barnesandnoble.com,  http://www.waterstones.com, and  http://www.blackwell.co.uk

Allan Langdale will be with us for the presentation, discussion, book signing and lunch on Wednesday, 10 October 2012 at 11:00, at Onar Village in Kyrenia. The cost of admission is 30 TL, and seats should be reserved in advance at Sidestreets, Tel: +(90) 392 229 3070.

By Chris Elliott