Located in the forested zone of the Pentadaktylos mountains, in the Turkish-controlled part of Cyprus, stands a monastic complex with more than a thousand years of history. Today, Surp Magar Monastery faces a serious risk of collapse due to decades of neglect.

This monument is not only part of Armenian heritage; it is also an important layer of Cyprus’s history. For centuries, it served as a pilgrimage site for various communities and was an integral part of the region’s cultural landscape.

Today, however, the structure is in rapid deterioration. Parts of the roof have already collapsed, deep cracks have formed in the walls, and vegetation has penetrated the building.

Experts warn that without urgent restoration, parts of the complex may be irreversibly lost.

Founded around the 11th century, the monastery served as both a spiritual and defensive center. It is associated with the Lusignan period of Cyprus and later received certain protections under Ottoman rule.

In 2016, it was included in the list of protected monuments as an important part of the island’s multicultural heritage.

A restoration project has been developed through international and bicommunal cooperation under the UNDP-supported Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage. Preliminary designs were prepared in 2018–2019, and work began in 2020 but was later halted due to the pandemic and contractual issues.

The project is currently under review, with plans to resume work in early 2027 if funding is secured.