TIEM · TRACING IDENTITY IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN; A Digital Survey of Late Medieval Monuments in the Eastern Mediterranean Islands

TRACING IDENTITY IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN; A Digital Survey of Late Medieval Monuments in the Eastern Mediterranean Islands

TIEM studied the architectural legacy of the Eastern Mediterranean in the late medieval period with a particular focus on the period that followed the collapse of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1187 until the capture of Crete by the Ottomans in 1669. During this period Mediterranean islands became sociopolitical entities that served as the crossroads between East and West. Specifically, the great islands of Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes and Chios became Europe’s gateways to the East. The architectural heritage of the late medieval period in these islands offers an ideal context for constructive comparisons and questions related to the formation, the appropriation and the obliteration of cultural identity; a theme with significant contemporary connotations. The project offered a novel methodological framework that focused on architectural landscapes thus moving beyond the study of isolated monuments. Instead of focusing on the study of individual buildings grouped and compared according to architectural typologies and styles TIEM concentrated on architectural networks and systems connected by economic routes, ideological principles, political goals and religious beliefs. For example, in Cyprus and Chios, the study of the economic flows of sugar and mastic production provides an exciting background for the close analysis of the remains of fortifications, monasteries, communication networks, settlements and storage facilities. In Rhodes and Cyprus, the examination of the visual aspects of the fortification works sponsored by the Knights of St. John points to the conscious construction of a signature image of an embattled society engaged in a continuous Crusader war effort. Furthermore, the systematic study of the foundation of Byzantine monasteries in Cyprus and the broader the region shows the sophisticated cultural strategies of the Byzantine State which, being unable to establish its control through military means, invested in the presence of flourishing monastic communities who retained close links with local populations. Finally, the examination of medieval architectural heritage through the restoration and preservation efforts of 19th and 20th century colonial powers like Britain in Cyprus and Italy in Rhodes points to the ways issues of cultural identity were systematically manipulated exploited to serve the Mediterranean interests of these powers. Research results have been discussed in papers presented at scholarly lectures and international scholarly meetings as well as in essays prepared or under preparation for inclusion in academic publications. Furthermore, aspects of TIEM’s research scope have been the focus of Cyprus Institute (CyI) research proposals, initiatives and seminars. As a result and an international scholarly recognition of the project’s capacity to study the architectural heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean in the late Medieval period, TIEM contributes to Archmap; a major project initiative led by Columbia University, awarded a grant by the Mellon Foundation in July 2013, to create an online digital platform and a map-based repository for the study of architecture and archaeology. In effect, this effort assures TIEM’s continuation and expansion in the framework of a high-level international collaboration which has been one of the main goals of the project. Locally, TIEM’s research scope has offered fertile ground for collaboration with Cypriot and Greek archaeological authorities such as the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Antiquities Ephorates of Rhodes, Chios and Crete, the University of Cyprus, ICOMOS Cyprus, Neapolis University, the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, the French Archaeological Mission in Choirokoitia, the Metropolis of Morfou, the Leventis Museum and the Nicosia Municipality. Research projects and initiatives designed to benefit educational tourism, and more importantly, the preservation and management of cultural heritage in the Eastern Mediterranean are firmly grounded in TIEM’s research inquiries. In regards to the city of Nicosia, which remains the last divided capital in Europe, the study of its medieval and early modern core remains a scholarly challenge with great potential for public benefit focused on the rehabilitation of abandoned monuments and buildings. Furthermore, TIEM has also had an impact on Cypriot education through graduate seminars and lectures as well as two CyI PhD dissertation topics, supervised by TIEM’s researcher, pursuing aspects of the project’s research framework. The above activities demonstrate TIEM’s socioeconomic impact and underscore the great potential for socioeconomic benefit from interdisciplinary studies in archaeology and cultural heritage. For the Cyprus Institute TIEM has been particularly beneficial as Nikolas Bakirtzis is now an integral member of its academic community. He has developed his field of expertise and has shown excellent potential for contribution in the growth of CyI’s Science and Technology in Archaeology Research Center (STARC). From June 2012 he has assumed the position of Assistant Professor at STARC. This is an optimal development for a Marie Curie IRG grant as the re-integrated European researcher has now obtained a tenure-track position at his host institution thus fulfilling a primary objective of these grant opportunities.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union