Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Culture announces funding for the 'Nostos' program

On November 12, 2026, the Cypriot Deputy Minister of Culture, Clea Hatzistefanou-Papaellina, attended the opening of the exhibition 'Memories of Occupied Lands' in Paphos. During the event, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the occupied territories.

The Deputy Minister announced that the government has allocated a total budget of 100,000 euros for 2026 under the 'Nostos' grant scheme. This initiative is designed to support projects focused on the collection and recording of testimonies from the generation that resided in the occupied areas prior to the 1974 Turkish invasion. The program aims to safeguard historical archives and document traditions and customs, ensuring that these personal experiences are preserved for future generations.

This project represents a strategic priority for the Ministry, as it seeks to maintain the connection between the occupied lands and the younger generation. By formalizing the documentation process, the ministry intends to create a lasting repository of cultural memories that might otherwise be lost over time.