Two 12th century looted frescoes taken from the Monastery of Panagia Apsinthiotissa in the occupied area of Cyprus, Kyrenia, were presented in an event that was held at the House of Lords by Walk of Truth (WoT) founder and cultural activist, Tasoula Hadjitofi, in cooperation with the Baroness Berridge, of the Vale of Catmose.

The presentation entitled “Blood, Treasure and Islamic State: War, Extremism and the Looting of Culture” took place on December 16, 2014 and was attended by Archbishop of Thyateira Gregorios and Great Britain, Baroness Maddock, Lord Luce, and Lord Turnberg.

Before a packed room, the Baroness opened the presentation speaking about the link between religious freedoms and the destruction of cultural heritage.

Sponsor and co-coordinator Tasoula Hadjitofi presented two 12th century looted frescoes taken from the Monastery of Panagia Apsinthiotissa in the occupied area of Cyprus, Kyrenia which she repatriated on behalf of Walk of Truth.

She spoke about the loss of freedom, identity and human indignity that occurs with war and destruction of cultural heritage. Mrs. Hadjitofi stressed the importance of engaging global citizens in lending their support to create a world of Peace. From refugee to protector of cultural heritage she engaged the audience on the importance of unity in combating the mass destruction of cultural heritage taking place in Syria, Iraq and Cyprus.

Following the Turkish invasion in 1974, the cultural heritage of Cyprus has been plundered, churches have been violated, icons have been stolen and frescoes and mosaics have been violently removed from walls and floors. A large number of these artefacts have been repatriated while many others are still missing.

Walk of Truth

Walk of Truth (WoT) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization, based in The Hague, The Netherlands. It was established by Mrs. Tasoula Georgiou Hadjitofi in an effort to raise awareness among people of different ethnic, religious and national identities about the value of cultural heritage in all its forms.