The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has reopened the newly restored Derviş Paşa Mansion Ethnographic Museum to visitors, in the old town in Lefkoşa.
The opening ceremony of the museum was conducted by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Fikri Ataoglu, and Nicosia Mayor, Mehmet Harmancı. Deputy Erkut Sahali, Teberüken Uluçay, Ersin Tatar, and Tourism Undersecretary İsmet Esenyel, together with managers and citizens also attended the ceremony.
The restoration work was completed in 2016, and following this the maintenance, repair and conservation of 500 works have been completed by personnel employed in the conservation of cultural assets attached to the Department of Ancient Works Museum.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu said that the team has done its utmost to be able to exhibit artefacts and monuments which have previously been unavailable for public viewing and added that the aim is to also carry out work at other museums in need of renovation.
Ataoğlu said that the Ministry’s objective is to open a museum in every district in the country, and that efforts were already underway to open museums in Büyükkonuk, Yeni İskele, Güzelyurt and Girne.
Stating that work will continue for the restoration and preservation of buildings of historical and cultural importance, Ataoğlu added that this will bring significant developments in the field of tourism in the future.
Mehmet Harmancı also pointed out the importance of expanding the destination for tourists in Nicosia and emphasised the importance of opening the ‘Paphos Gate’.
Fuat Azimli, Director of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, gave information about Derviş Paşa Mansion and the restoration and renovation of the exhibits.
