“Nicosia is Calling…” is part of the Multiperspectivity in Intercultural Dialogue and Education (MIDE) project, a two-year research and education effort sponsored by the USAID-funded UNDP Action for Cooperation and Trust (ACT) program

In the UN-patrolled Buffer Zone and in the presence of leaders and educators from both sides of the dividing line, Cyprus’ Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) launched a series of revolutionary educational materials focused on the unity of the historic center of Nicosia. “Nicosia is Calling…”, is a series of supplementary teaching materials on the history of Nicosia and of Cyprus. Written for ages 11-12 and 15-16, this first set of booklets draws attention to historical and cultural sites within the walled city—the Arabahmet and Chrysaliniotissa neighborhoods and the Kyrenia and Paphos Gates—some of which have been restored with international funding, including in large part from USAID.

“Nicosia is Calling…” is part of the Multiperspectivity in Intercultural Dialogue and Education (MIDE) project, a two-year research and education effort sponsored by the USAID-funded UNDP Action for Cooperation and Trust (ACT) program. MIDE will undertake research into different perspectives of Cypriot history, create supplementary teaching materials based on advanced pedagogical approaches to history teaching, deliver materials on policy dialogue, and build a library and archive for researchers.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of ‘Nicosia is Calling…’ as well as the Association’s new two-year project. They are great examples of intercultural collaboration and we hope that educators embrace and support our efforts as they have done in recent years,” said President of AHDR, Chara Makriyianni.

Meant to equip explorers of all ages with the resources necessary to conceptualize Nicosia as the place of unity and cooperation it once was, the “Nicosia is Calling…” materials adopt a hands-on approach to the learning of history. The booklets are available in Greek, Turkish and English. They are written in a question-and-answer format, interspersed with old photographs and interesting facts. They use activities and puzzles to capture the imagination of readers and ensure that they use all of their senses to experience Nicosia and appreciate its past while visualizing its future potential.

About the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) The AHDR enlists members from various ethnic, linguistic, and professional backgrounds working at different educational levels in Cyprus. Its Board, comprising Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot educators and historians, is a brilliant example of how productive cooperation, creative ideas and respect can blossom across the divide towards shared goals. For more information visit AHDR’s website: http://www.hisdialresearch.org.