| Project Id |
3362 |
| Project Name |
Omeriye Ottoman Baths, Cyprus |
| Description |
The Omeriye Hamam is in the old town of Lefkosia (Nicosia), next to the Omeriye Mosque and not far from the Archbishop’s Palace. It was built in 1570 - 71 as a donation by Lala Mustafa Pasha to the city after the island fell to the Ottomans. The bath complex or hamam was dedicated to the Caliph Omar and the area became known as Omeriye. The restoration of the Ottoman baths in 2012 is part of the master plan to revive the walled enclave of Old Nicosia. A major concern was to maintain and enhance the original function of the baths (which have been in continuous use since around 1571) by installing modern mechanical, wastewater and electrical services. At the same time, the restoration has allowed the baths to take on a new function as a venue for larger social gatherings. Damaged roof, walls, shells and domes have been repaired, and the foundations consolidated. To preserve the integrity of the structure, any new interventions are reversible. |
| Description of the economic, social and environmental impacts of the project |
The project was awarded an EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Award 2005 in the conservation category. The project greatly contributes to the respect, preservation and promotion of the multicultural character and history of the city, and to the upgrading of the building environment of the area. Technical research and investigation; stuctural consolidation of domes, hypocaust and furnace area; and modernising of dated sewerage and electrical systems. The jury noted: “For the safeguarding of the authenticity and adaptation to contemporary needs of a distinctive landmark of the walled city of Nicosia and for the sensitive treatment of an Islamic architectural element in a multicultural context.” |
| Web links |
http://www.europeanheritageawards.eu/winners/omeriye-ottoman-baths-nicosia/ |
| Country |
Cyprus |
| City size |
Intermediate cities (between 50.000-1 million people) |
