|
Background Information |
|
This project aimed at virtually reconstructing the Apostolos Andreas Monastery and the Hala Sultan Tekke. In developing the basic concepts for this project several key observations were made. Firstly, it is important to note the current project funded by UNOPS for the preservation of these two very important religious monuments of Cyprus. The Apostolos Andreas Monastery and the Halan Sultan Tekke will be repaired and restored to their original state. This project, will provide value added to this more general project. The installation of information kiosks at the two monuments, providing interactive multimedia, video and animated information, will give the visitors (Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and tourists) a better understanding of the two religious monuments. They will also help the two communities learn, understand and appreciate each other’s religious background and thus bring the people closer together.
A second observation is that historically, religious misconceptions created problems between the two communities. Failure to understand the Muslim and Greek Orthodox religions and the rituals associated with them, created friction and unnecessary misunderstandings. It also led to ethnic hatred and conflicts. The understanding of the basics of the two religious will help eliminate the aforementioned problems. This will be achieved only when the people of the two communities are educated and informed about the two religions. Just visiting religious monuments does not help achieve this. People need written information and audio-visual tools to assimilate the required knowledge. This will be achieved through the multimedia presentations. The Muslim and Christian Orthodox religions will be explained through the rituals taking place at the monuments, presented in video and/or animated form, within the multimedia presentations.
These observations, coupled with the importance that religion plays in the relationship between people races and cultures, led to this proposal. In multi-cultural countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, the acceptance of each other’s cultural identity (including religion) plays a significant role in the harmonic social life of people and provide solid pillars for the building of a multicultural modern society. |
