Press Releases

President of Dante Alighieri Comitato di Cipro,

Director of the Cornaro Art Centre

President of the Leucò Art Cultural Association,

Ambassador (or representative) of the Embassy of Italy,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Esteemed guests,

It is with great pleasure that I address the opening of the exhibition entitled “Feminine Episteme: The Frontier of Love and War”,organised as part of the International Conference “Women in Warfare: from the myth of the Amazons to modern armed conflicts”.

Tonight, we stand at the crossroads of history and art, celebrating the indomitable spirit of women through the ages. From the ancient battlefields, to the silent wars fought in the corridors of power, and in the sanctuaries of our homes, women have been both architects and narrators of our shared history. This exhibition pays due homage to women of every era, colour, age and ethnicity who have played pivotal roles in wars and conflicts, not just as participants but as beacons of hope and harbingers of peace. They have etched their stories in the annals of time, stories that are as diverse as they are profound, shaping not only their destinies but the fabric of our world.

As we explore these artistic expressions, let us reflect on the countless untold tales of bravery, sacrifice and resilience. This conference serves as a testament to their strength and a reminder of our collective responsibility to recognise and honour their contributions to history and humanity.

Indeed, the theme of the Conference crosscuts two subjects of immense importance, as they have shaped the history of humanity, including tangible and intangible heritage: the role of women in the development of societies and the impact of conflicts. The urgency to protect human lives and safeguard our cultural heritage in the face of armed conflicts has driven the Department of Antiquities of the Deputy Ministry of Culture to actively engage in international policies and actions. Our response to the challenges posed by conflicts, including, of course, the consequences of the Turkish invasion in 1974, reflects our commitment to preservation.

Cyprus’ ratification of the Hague Convention of 1954 and its Protocols underscores our dedication to protecting cultural property during armed conflict. Our efforts have led to significant contributions to international guidelines and the implementation of measures to safeguard cultural heritage. Notably, Cyprus, together with Italy, achieved enhanced protection status for our UNESCO World Heritage Properties, marking a historic moment in the activation of the Second Protocol. This success, achieved in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the National Guard General Staff, underscores the importance of integrating cultural heritage protection into military training and operations.

Furthermore, our contributions extend beyond legal frameworks to practical actions, such as the digitisation of archaeological data and the development of mitigation action plans. These efforts ensure the preservation of our tangible heritage and embody our commitment to the principles of the Hague Convention.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today's event presents a remarkable opportunity to honour the multifaceted roles of women in the realms of love and war, as expressed through the transformative power of art. It invites us to consider our collective commitment to preserving cultural heritage, especially in times of conflict. The endeavors of the Ministry of Culture through the relevant Department of Antiquities, alongside our esteemed national and international partners, are rooted in a profound conviction that culture and history possess an unparalleled ability to inspire, educate and heal. In the face of adversity, this belief becomes our guiding light, emphasising the importance of safeguarding our shared legacy for future generations.

I extend my deepest congratulations to both the local and Italian artists who have participated in this exhibition and to the organisers – the Dante Alighieri Comitato di Cipro, the International Centre of Studies of Arts and Humanities, the Cornaro Art Centre and the Leucò Art Cultural Association – for their exemplary vision and dedication in bringing this exhibition to life. Their collective efforts have not only made this event possible, but have also ensured that the stories and contributions of women across time and territories continue to be celebrated and remembered. Thank you for your invaluable contribution to our cultural and historical discourse.

(EFys/GS/AP)