Initiatives to Preserve Watermills in Cyprus Gain Momentum
Efforts to preserve Cyprus’s historic watermills are underway as a comprehensive book documents 650 watermills across the entire island. The need for targeted preservation is especially crucial in Larnaca, where numerous deteriorating watermills are located. The municipal official stressed the importance of these structures as reminders of Cyprus’s history and traditions. The watermills once played a pivotal role in the island’s economy, particularly in grinding grains.
The recently published book, The Watermills of Cyprus, aims to raise awareness among the public and authorities about the importance of conserving and highlighting these historic monuments. Various communities and individuals have already taken on the responsibility of conserving, restoring, and reconstructing these buildings, collaborating with the Department of Antiquities to make them accessible for visits. However, there is a call for a more focused effort by the government, especially local authorities in Larnaca, due to the significant number of dilapidated watermills in the district.
According to the book’s authors, 11 percent of the documented watermills are located in the Larnaca district. These structures vary in their state of preservation, with some remaining intact and others in ruins. Notably, the ancient Larnaca aqueduct powered four watermills using an artificial river, providing a consistent flow of fresh water for the city’s water supply and irrigation.
Larnaca’s Mayor praised the authors for their three decades of research, which incorporated various sources, including Cypriot press articles from the British colonial period and information from the Ottoman census of 1572. He emphasized that the book takes readers on a journey to a bygone era, weaving tales and myths surrounding the watermills and prompting reflection on the ancestral toils in fields and bread-making.
Published in November 2022, The Watermills of Cyprus is the culmination of 30 years of research by Giannis Kypri, Costas Economides, and Christos Dimitrakopoulos. The Greek-language book delves into the rich history of Cyprus’s watermills, shedding light on their significance and calling for their preservation.
With ongoing initiatives and increasing public awareness, the future looks promising for the conservation and promotion of these invaluable cultural relics. As Cyprus strives to preserve its heritage, the watermills stand as tangible links to its past, reminding us of the history and traditions that shaped the island’s identity.
