Abstract

On the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, rural villages, traditional artefacts, even atmospheres and experiences are considered heritage. Heritage making not only protects, but also produces, things, people, and places. Since the Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, heritage making and Europeanization are increasingly intertwined in Greek-Cypriot society. Against the backdrop of a long-term ethnographic engagement, the author argues that heritage emerges as an increasingly standardized economic resource, a “European product.” Implemented in historic preservation, rural tourism, culinary traditions, nature protection, and urban restoration projects, heritage policy has become infused with transnational market regulations and neoliberal property regimes.

WINNER OF THE 2016 PROSE AWARD FOR ANTHROPOLOGY

“Despite modernization and growing tourism, regardless of class, [Cypriot society has retained social practices]; people are helpful and inviting. Visitors can enjoy much in this very good, well-written book, not the least being a very impressive culinary selection. For readers at all levels, and probably a number of individuals who are not academics or social scientists. Highly recommended.” · Choice

“…an illuminating study of heritage practices in Cyprus through an ethnography that is attentive to the complexities of cultural objectification. It has much to offer to the anthropology of Cyprus, heritage practices, and the EU.” · Olga Demetriou, PRIO Cyprus Centre

“The book is very well written, the ethnography superb, the topic of great contemporary relevance… It makes a substantial contribution to our understanding of Cypriot society as well as to the creation of heritage.” · Vassos Argyrou, University of Hull

Gisela Welz is Professor and Chair of Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology at Goethe University Frankfurt. She co-edited Divided Cyprus. Modernity, History and an Island in Conflict (with Yiannis Papadakis and Nicos Peristianis, Indiana University Press 2006).