Investigating Tangible and Intangible Dimensions of a Contested Heritage : Varosha/Cyprus

This research explores the requirement of considering a conflicted space as a heritage to manage a fair past reconciliation. As well as how the intangible values can contribute to avoiding the discrepancy of what is formally recognized and what is ignored in conflicted spaces.

Her inspiration to research conflict, post-war sites and contested heritage in contemporary comes from being raised in a country strongly identified and affected by conflict.

This research uses mixed qualitative methods; outlining from the existing literature on mental mapping and mapping of the built spaces. The research combines Digital Ethnography, Archival Research to gain a deep understanding and visualize data.

The research explores the interplay between the built environment and history through individuals and their stories to create a framework for the contested heritage of Varosha. Such knowledge can assist practitioners in making decisions about the future of this town and how to reflect shared values in a holistic way negotiating between the past and present.