Beyond contestation: A bottom-up register of Varosha's tangible and intangible heritage

Erkul, Nilsu 2024. Beyond contestation: A bottom-up register of Varosha's tangible and intangible heritage. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This research establishes a bottom-up register of Varosha's tangible and intangible heritage to facilitate reconciliation in Famagusta, Cyprus, a suburb known both for its past as a vibrant leisure resort and its status as a 'ghost town' due to historical conflicts and displacement. It examines the interplay between Varosha's urban fabric and collective memory in a post-war context, offering a detailed framework for understanding contested heritage and its potential in reconciliation processes. Employing a mixed-methodological approach, the study analyses historical maps and architectural registers available online, alongside digital ethnography and semistructured interviews with forty-eight participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This methodology not only enriches the architectural and historical context of Varosha but also provides insights into how memories are preserved and negotiated within digital platforms, particularly through Facebook groups dedicated to the suburb. The interviews offer deep explorations of personal and collective memories, highlighting diverse perspectives on Varosha’s transformation and its ongoing significance. The research maps Varosha’s memoryscapes extensively, connecting its physical architecture with the intangible memories attached to these spaces. This mapping underscores the complex dynamics of memory and forgetting in a community shaped by conflict, distinguishing between top-down institutional narratives and grassroots, community-driven narratives. It demonstrates the pivotal role of local memory practices in both shaping and contesting heritage interpretations. By advocating for a participatory approach to heritage documentation, the study proposes a transformative framework that leverages collective memory as a powerful tool for reconciliation. It contributes to academic debates on contested heritage and introduces practical approaches for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Ultimately, this research advances the field of heritage studies by showcasing how contested heritage can serve as a resource for negotiation and a pathway towards healing in war-affected regions.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Architecture
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	17 April 2025
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 10:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/177772

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