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1 . I n t roduc t ion

The way of life and economic growth of rural areasis shaped by the production, processing and sale ofagricultural produce. The success of the industrycan be considered as a major indicator of sustain-able development in rural locations, and the build-ings serving the industry as a historical legacy.Although the continued presence of local cropsremains important, the depopulation of rural areasdue to urban industrialisation has resulted in thedegradation of not only these agricultural build-ings, but of the landscape itself (Latham, 2000;Douglas, 2002; Ball, 2002). In many Europeancountries, the sensitive adaptive re-use of industrialand agricultural buildings has been a significantcontributor to the improvement of rural economies(Ely and Worthington, 1984; Agostini andSangiorgi, 1996).

As stated by Timothy and Nyaupane(2009), cultural heritage provides much appeal fortourism in the less developed countries, where itcan contribute to sustainable development. Builtheritage is a non-renewable material and spiritualresource, and helps both local communities andvisitors to appreciate cultural diversity (ICOMOS1999a). Although in the west, heritage manage-ment programmes are focused predominantlyaround the tourism sector, in the developing world,the dynamics present additional challenges fromsocio-economic, political, and historical perspec-tives (Winter, 2007). By examining these perspec-

tives, creative local economies can be developedwhich are based upon creativity and local distinc-tiveness (Bianchini, 2009).

This article will focus on the opportunitiesfor the adaptive re-use of carob warehouses inNorthern Cyprus. Due to the region’s lack of inter-national recognition, heritage tourism presents anopportunity to preserve an important aspect of cul-tural heritage, and in so doing also aid local eco-nomic growth (Timothy and Nyaupane, 2009;Timothy and Boyd, 2006).

The study has six main parts. Following theintroduction, the second section provides a litera-ture review on both adaptive reuse and culturaltourism. The third section explains the importanceof stakeholders in adaptive reuse projects. Thefourth section underlines the importance of carobwarehouses, and focuses on the cultural signifi-cance and architectural characteristics of the ware-houses in the rural areas of Northern Cyprus. Thefifth section put forwards adaptive reuse opportuni-ties of carob warehouses together with their holisticconservation and also offers the possibility of therevitalisation of the old carob-way for tourism/ edu-cational purposes. In conclusion, the study illumi-nates the importance of the conservation of thecarob warehouses as fundamental features of therural industrial heritage of Northern Cyprus andseeks to offer solutions for their recognition and forthem to be experienced and enjoyed by local andinternational visitors.

Hulya Yuceer, Beser Oktay Vehbi

Abstract

Scattered mainly along the coast of Cyprus, a series of modest stone built carob warehouses provide a historical lega-

cy of the agricultural, social and economic life of the rural areas of Cyprus during the late 19th and early 20th centu-

ry. They were constructed of local materials and employed local building techniques, and have become a largely unrec-

ognized part of the local landscape. Most remain in a dilapidated condition through neglect and weathering through-

out the years. It is suggested that this is largely due to a lack of understanding of their cultural significance, and a lack

of vision as to how a holistic conservation approach could help to address wider strategic policy objectives in the areas

of sustainable tourism/ place marketing, and rural economic development. More specifically it is suggested that a

tourism path incorporating former carob collecting routes could support the adaptive re-use of the former warehouses

based upon contemporary cultural needs and opportunities. The development of such an approach will require a multi-

agency, cross-sectoral involvement that sees these buildings as a significant cultural resource.

Keywords: Adaptive Re-Use, Carob Warehouse, Cultural Heritage, Cultural Tourism.

ADAPTIVE REUSE OF CAROB WAREHOUSES INNORTHERN CYPRUS.

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2 . Re-u s ing bu i l t he r i tage and cu l tu ra ltour i sm

This literature review presents discussions related tothe adaptive reuse of historic buildings for tourismand local regeneration purposes. Since these twomain topics are grounded on different disciplinesthe literature review is carried out on both adaptivereuse and cultural tourism.

2 .1 Adap t i ve reuse o f h i s to r ic bui ld ings

The Burra Charter of 1979 has been legitimised asa conservation process specifically for the adaptionof obsolete historic buildings. Later in its revisedform, the Charter describes an “adaptable func-tion” of a building as one that respects cultural val-ues (ICOMOS, 1999b). In article 7, it states thatwhen the function has cultural importance it shouldbe preserved, and that in such cases clear policiesneed to be established to preserve this culturalvalue, and define and set limits on its area(s) of use.(ICOMOS, 1999b). Many of the discussions on there-use of historical buildings refer to the physicalcharacteristics of the spaces, the compatibility of thenew function with respect to the qualities of theexisting space, and the evaluation of the potentialof the new function (Altınoluk, 1998; Douglas2006; Gause, 1996; Latham, 2000). There arevery few studies however that contribute to thesediscussions by focusing on the importance of theintangible values of buildings and places and howthese elements come together to establish new useswhich not only respect the integrity of the building,but also contribute to local economies, communitycohesion and local distinctiveness.

In establishing effective criteria to deter-mine appropriate functions, the values of a historicbuilding, in terms of both its characteristics as anarchitectural product, and as a piece of culturalheritage should be identified (Orbaşlı, 2008).Therefore, the three interrelated objectives of adap-tive reuse; physical, spatial, and social, need to bereconciled (Orbaşlı, 2000). Physically, it aims toimprove old buildings and bring them into modernuse. Spatially, it is viewing the townscape as a holis-tic entity, with its relationships between spaces andtheir use, as well as circulation and traffic. The thirdobjective, and the one most neglected, is theinvolvement of local communities.

A building cannot therefore be perceivedas independent from the environment it exists in, oreven from changes taking place in the countrywhere it is located. Rapid developments in methodsof communication, transportation and informationtechnologies help to spread globalisation and cul-

tivate homogeneity among societies (Nasser,2003). In this context, we can say that as culturaldifferences begin to diminish or even die out, theredevelops a counter movement that aims to protectthose things which reflect and promote theseindigenous cultures. The best indicator of this is thegrowth of the tourism industry in line with theincrease in globalisation, and the large share of thisindustry that is attributed to cultural tourism (Chang,1999).

2.2 Cu l tu ra l Tou r i sm

Currently the cultural heritage of places not onlyattracts tourism as an economic resource; it canalso be characterised, on account of the informa-tion it signifies, as a cultural, social and politicalresource (Graham, 2002). The simplest instance ofhow we conceptually shape cultural heritage, inter-preting and transforming it into an economicresource, lies in the idea of representation (Hall,1997). When an object belonging to the past isidentified today as cultural heritage, the thoughtarises of communicating the information it bears tothe society concerned or other societies, and with it,the idea of representing it for this purpose (Sack,1992). A common position is that cultural heritageas a knowledge resource should be transformedinto capital through the medium of tourism (Sack,1992; Castells, 1997; Hall, 1997; Agnew, 2000;Garrod and Fyall, 2000; Mac Leod, 2000;Graham, 2002).

When tourism is administered purely interms of economics, on the basis of surplus value,not only do the results not match the expectations,but it can potentially harm the authenticity that cre-ates the spirit of historical sites (Russo, 2002;Nasser, 2003). Indeed, studies of the demand forcultural tourism and the attitudes underlying it showthat the perceived quality of cultural tourism is asso-ciated with authenticity (Chhabra, Healy & Sills,2003). Visitors who come to visit a place do not justwant to see cultural assets; they want immersethemselves in that culture (Kerstetter, Confer &Brider, 1998). In other words, visitors go and visit aplace first and foremost for its intangible qualities,for what it makes them feel.

The 12th ICOMOS (1999b) meetingorganised to discuss these perceptions succeededin identifying a set of international common princi-ples for providing a more appropriate relationshipbetween preservation and tourism. An outcome ofthis meeting was the “International Cultural TourismCharter,” which in its first article defines a healthypreservation-tourism relationship: “Because cultur-al communication is one of the most effective tools

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bifor both local and international tourism, preserva-tion should provide well-organized benefits for thehost community, and priority should be given to vis-itors’ experience and understanding of the cultureof the community in question and the heritage thatrepresents it” (ICOMOS, 1999b). What is empha-sised here is the relationship between visitors’ prop-er understanding of cultural heritage resources andcommunities’ participation in protecting theirassets. Considering the cultural difference betweenthe communities who created the heritage and thecommunities who now own it, it is stressed thattoday’s communities should understand the valuesof the heritage of the past and embrace them, whileat the same time reflecting their own contemporarycultural values as they are.

3. The Ro le o f S takeho lder s

The above discussions imply a close and interde-pendent relationship between cultural heritage,conservation and tourism - an integrated conserva-tion approach supported by Tiesdell et al (1996),Orbaşlı (2000). Integrated conservation physically,aims to improve old structures/environments andbring them into modern use. Spatially, it is viewingthe townscape as a holistic entity, with its relation-ships between spaces and their use, as well as cir-culation and traffic. Socially, it concerns the users,local community (participation), and the urbanpopulation. Also existing laws and regulations andfinancial resources in such areas should be takeninto consideration. As a result of such holisticapproach, the outcome of the conservation pro-jects will be long-life and help local communities tobe aware about benefits and outcomes of suchprojects. This approach is suggested in this studythat with the support of local communities theCarob Way project would have a better outcome.Thus, a range of stakeholders will need to beengaged to test the proposals, and a cultural roundup carried out to establish local cultural resourcesand needs. Current economic drivers should alsobe identified as this may expose opportunities. Forexample, it will be suggested later that a local uni-versity may be interested in taking one on.

Such stakeholders might be categorisedunder hard (the construction industry and all relat-ed professions), soft, (community/civic groups) andfinancial (banks, developers, accountants) infra-structures (Table 1). It would include those involvedin local production or carobs and related naturalfoods (olives, dates, grapes, honey etc) and localcultural providers and animateurs, (artists, poets,musicians, digital media, education providers,etc.), the media, political champions, school chil-

dren, government departments etc. Opportunitiesand synergies can emerge when such diversegroups are brought together. Opportunities forpublic private partnerships (PPP) may result, toenable projects to be financed and to offer goodvalue. Local schools can become involved and inso doing learn about their cultural heritage. Thethreat in not engaging stakeholders is that there willbe no sense of ownership amongst local communi-ties, and those making decisions will not benefitfrom the insights of local people. Tourism nowneeds authenticity which prohibits cultures that havebeen created purely for the tourism market. Manyvisitors are now rejecting such places in favour of amore enriching visitor experience which comesfrom the genius-loci.

4. Case S tudy: Carob warehouses inNor thern Cyprus

Located in the eastern Mediterranean (Figure 1),the climate of Cyprus has offered a suitable envi-ronment for the natural growth of carob as a dry-land crop for centuries (Davies, 1970; Makhzoumi,1997). The presence of carob trees and the impor-tance of carob and its products are mentioned inthe writings of many travellers in the past (Kitchener,1879; Madon, 1930; Grivaud, 1990;Ohnefalsch, 1913; Pococke, 1745; Brown, 1879;Cobham, 1909).

In the past, carobs were the major agricul-

Table 1. Stakeholder typology.

Figure 1. Location of Cyprus.

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tural export of the island and for some villages thecentre of agricultural activity and the main source ofincome (Figure 2). However, diseases spread bypets and rats led to the decline in carob yields andthe rural population turned their attention to thedevelopment of citrus plantations (Davies, 1970).In time, the political changes, such as the island’sindependence from British rule in 1960 and theconflict in 1974, played a major role in the declineof carob planting and export. In respect of whatthen became Northern Cyprus, the political embar-gos brought in after the division of the island madethe export of any product impossible leading to asignificant decrease in plantations and the derelic-tion of carob warehouses.

4 .1 . C ar ob Har ves t in g , W ar ehou sesand the “Carob-Way”

The main region for carob cultivation in the north-ern part of the island stretches from Morphou in theeast, to Kyrenia and the Karpas in the west. Most ofthe warehouses are located along this route.Traditionally, the juice of the carob pod, so called"carob honey", "Black Gold"; or locally named as"betmez", is still consumed as a substitute for bee-honey or jam and is used as flavouring for culinarypurposes. It is processed in factories in Famagustaand also used for animal fodder.

Historically, the lack of roads, railways andharbours for use in the transportation of harvestedcarobs stands as a major reason for the construc-tion of carob warehouses. Donkeys, camels andmules had been used to transport carobs from oneplace to another until the early British rule. Whenthe island came under the British government in1878, there were neither harbours nor railways and

only one road connecting Larnaca and Nicosia(Orr, 1972). By 1906, the harbour was completedand the railway, which connected Famagusta,Nicosia and Morphou, was opened in 1907(Turner, 1979, Ballantyne, 2007).

However, these developments were not suf-ficient to transport of all the carobs, as many of theplantations were located on the northern coast sep-arated by the Kyrenia Five Finger Mountain rangelying parallel to the north coast. Thus, the Britishgovernment needed to construct warehouses on theshore line where carobs could be stored and trans-ferred to ships using jetties (Figure 3, 4). Althoughit is hard to establish exactly when the carob ware-houses were constructed, there are some sourcesindicating their presence in early British rule.According to the superintendent of a British policenotice dating 27 May 1898, harbours with carobwarehouses were mentioned as Gemikonağı(Karavostasi), Karşıyaka (Vasilia), Girne (Kyrenia),Esentepe (Akanthou), Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos,Gazimagusa (Famagusta) (Bağışkan, 2012). Inaddition, the dates provided on some warehousessuch as Kayalar (Orga) 1905, Kaplıca (Davlos)1909, Yenierenköy (Yialusa) 1930, can be consid-ered as evidence of the construction of the carobwarehouses during this same period (Figure 5).

Collectively, the warehouses on the coastoffer traces of the carob-way: the routes of shipswhich collected and transported the carobs to theimporting countries. In the British Admiralty Map(1936), the harbours suitable for trading shipsaround the island, the carob-way or stop pointswere marked as ‘Trading Stn.’ (Trading station) forKarşıyaka (Vasilia), Tatlısu, Mersinlik, Kaplıca,Yenierenköy in Northern Cyprus and Evdim andPisuri in Southern Cyprus (Navari, 2003).

When the island gained independence

Figure 2. A Carob tree and its fruits.

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from British rule in 1960, changes in the collectionand export of carobs affected the use of all thewarehouses and by 1974 most were abandoned.

4 . 2 . L oc a t i on , A rc h i t e c t u r a lCh ara c t e r i s t i c s and Cu l t u r a lS ign i f i cance o f Warehouses

The findings of this research are based on a twoyear study undertaken from 2010-2012. By exam-ining the records of the Department of Antiquitiesand the field study carried out as part of thisresearch, 53 carob warehouses were identified inthe whole of Cyprus.

Following the division of the island in1974, 34 of the warehouses remain in the northernpart of the island and 19 in the southern part. Inrespect of those remaining in the north, 17 carob

Figure 5. Warehouses in Kayalar (1905) .

Figure 6. Location of the carob warehouses-the villages-starting from Kayalar to Kalecik.

Figure 4. A typical warehouse in Kaplıca (Davlos).

Figure 3. A warehouse and its jetty in Yalousa in 1950s

(Yenierenkoy) (Gursoy, 1962).

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warehouses, 2 of which are totally dilapidated,were found in rural areas (Table 2). The remains ofthe dilapidated warehouses are located in Kaplıca(Davlos) and Kalecik (Gastria), and they are listedby the Department of Antiquities. The 17 carobwarehouses which have been studied in this paperare dotted around the northern coast of Cyprusstarting from the furthest western point at Kayalarand extending to the eastern tip of the island atKalecik (Figure 6). Since the warehouses are eitherlocated along the old vehicular accesses or close tothe sea shore, most of them are not visible from the

main road. They are approximately 5-10 m fromthe sea shore except in Tatlısu, where one of threewarehouses is located 1km from the sea. Harvestedcarobs were deposited in the warehouses using thesouthern facade to the rear, and were then loadedonto ships from a wooden jetty via the main northfacing facade.

Most of the warehouses are emblematicsingle storey rectangular buildings with thick stonemasonry walls and numerous aligned windows toimprove ventilation. The rural warehouses wereconstructed in various sizes as single or multiple

Table 2. Current conditions of the warehouses in Northern Cyprus.

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units and covered with pitched roofs (Figure 7).One warehouse unit is approximately 9m wide and13m long and 7-9m high. Where the warehousesare located on steeply sloping sites, the height maybe 1.5-2m on its south side and 7-9m on its northside, facing the sea. The front facade of each unit

has a square door opening –generally measuring2mx2m- with a timber lintel and two small windowsfor ventilation. Two openings are located on thesouth facade, where the carobs arrive into thebuilding. On the east and west facades, there areno window openings but small holes can be identi-

Table 2cont. Current conditions of the warehouses in Northern Cyprus.

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fied which prevent the build-up of moisture andhumidity inside the building.

All of the warehouses are constructed usingload-bearing local sandstone walls supported bybuttresses at the base of the north east and westwalls, most of which are still standing (Figure 8).Floors are either covered with cut stone or polishedcement. The roofs are generally constructed usingtimber beams covered with rush mat and earth. In

some warehouses iron beams or arches are used tosupport the roof. Since most of the sample buildingshave been abandoned, their roofs have collapsedas a result of erosion caused by wind, sun, rain andsalt conditions and the lack of maintenance. Waterpenetration and mould growth are evident, partic-ularly on the north walls. Internally the walls of thebuildings are also covered in vegetation as a resultof the collapsed roof.

Table 2cont. Current conditions of the warehouses in Northern Cyprus.

Figure 7. A carob warehouse in Mersinlik with additional units.

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Due to their isolated location and originaluse, there are no service infrastructures. Re-useproposals would therefore need to consider theprovision of electricity, water and sewage. It is sug-gested therefore that power generating deviceswould need to be incorporated into the re-use pro-posals.

Among the warehouses studied, 17 havebeen listed by the Department of Antiquities.Currently only two of them are in use. One of thechallenges posed by this proposal is the challengesfaced by the existing legislative and planningframework in Northern Cyprus.

4.3 . The conserva t i on o f cu l tu ra l he r -i tage in North Cyprus

The cultural heritage of Northern Cyprus is facingsome major challenges. The reasons for this arecomplex but are underpinned an inadequatelyresourced planning and legal framework. This hasresulted in a lack of awareness of planning issuesat community level, a lack of public participation,and an insufficient legislative basis from which tooperate. International conservation principles aresimply not adhered to.

With the exception of some of the largerEuropean Union (EU) and United States Agenciesfor International Development (USAID) fundedinfrastructural projects, the architectural, social andeconomic values are not given sufficient emphasisby the authorities which can cause conservation orrevitalisation studies to be short-term and piece-meal with a flawed methodology. The protection ofcultural heritage focuses on preservation ratherthan conservation and this creates obstacles foreffective revitalisation.

As Doratlı (2000) highlights, the planningpractices with respect to conservation areas in

Northern Cyprus do not have a long-term perspec-tive because the physical condition of the buildingis given primacy over the broader social and eco-nomic problems of the context in which the build-ing exists. At a community level, people areunaware of the importance of their built heritageand see it as ‘not their problem’.

The legislative framework provides thebasis for the identification of historical, architectur-al, and cultural heritage/ conservation areasincluding the cataloguing of buildings and sites,and the provision of some technical and financialassistance to the owners of registered buildings. Italso provides for the preparation of conservationplans and development control policies in conser-vation areas. However, as a whole, it does not pro-vide for the effective implementation of these plans.Both the Antiquities Law and the Town Planning Laware directly related to the conservation of buildingsand sites but the action plans cannot be imple-mented due to the lack of a coordinated legislativeframework (Doratlı, 2000). In addition there is noestablished local authority structure and this mayvary with each new government. The Town Planningdepartment, which should be working at a longterm strategic level can be negatively affected bysuch variations.

Some of the challenges faced by culturalheritage in North Cyprus have been identified in theNational Physical Plan (2012). Amongst these arelack of grant funding for improving culturalresources, a lack of resources to produce a registerof cultural built heritage (especially those located inrural sites such as warehouses, olive oil buildingsand industrial buildings), and the construction ofpoorly designed new buildings in these areas. Adeclining tourism sector was also highlighted aswell as a lack of awareness about the importanceof cultural heritage sites that can cause damageand obsolescence.

The Plan also promotes higher standards innew building designs, improving social and techni-cal infrastructures and encourages promotionalactivities such as festivals that present traditionallocal foods, drinks and handcrafts. Promotion oflocal micro economies such as hotels, pensions,restaurants and cafes that will be operated by localvillagers will all contribute to the economy. Withinthe area that most of the warehouses are located,the Plan aims to develop and diversify the econo-my, and focus more on the agriculture and tourismas follows:

Local micro and small enterprises that arerelated with tourism and agriculture will be sup-ported and encouraged, Natural and cultural heritages will be conserved,developed and used.

Figure 8. Buttresses on the facades- Warehouse in

Esentepe.

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Social and technical infrastructure will be devel-oped and encouraged for increasing the quality oflife in these areas.

Cultural tourism will be developed andencouraged for developing cultural and art activi-ties in cultural heritage sites (NPP, 2012).

The above provides a robust policy frame-work for the Carob Way proposals. The 2 successful examples of adaptive re-use ofthese buildings are both in the prime tourist area ofKyrenia harbour - one of them is converted to cafe-bar and other to a folk museum (Figure 9). Thereare two other warehouses - one in Mersinlik and theother in Solonez that were rented to private ownersby the Department of Antiquities but these areabandoned now. According to the laws and regu-lations, the restoration project and the new functionof the building should be approved by theDepartment of Antiquities and they can then be

rented for 49 years. In the Mersinlik case, a thera-py centre was proposed and in the Solonez case apension. The restoration proposals were approvedby the Department of Antiquities and the worksbegan. However although these were not in accor-dance with the approved drawings a lack ofresources prevented enforcement action. Thesehave now both been abandoned and are evidenceof a lack of robust policy guidance and enforce-ment.

5 . Re inven t ing the Former Carob Way

According to the National Physical Plan (2012),there is a presumption for tourism related useswhich will help regenerate local villages and com-munities. It is our contention that some of the fail-ures of past projects involving these warehouseswere due to a lack of a collective vision from pub-lic authorities to see ‘the big picture’. The ‘CarobWay’ will link these buildings both conceptually andphysically with a sea route. Since the access tosome of them is difficult by land, sea transportationis essential to successfully revitalise these buildings(Figure 10). Tourism routes promise to bring togeth-er a variety of activities and attractions under a uni-fied theme and thus stimulate entrepreneurialopportunities through the development of ancillaryproducts and services (Greffe, 1994; Gunn, 1979;Fagence, 1991; Long et al. 1990).

It is suggested that the carob way tourcould include up to 15 stops. Since the warehous-es are scattered over different parts of the northerncoast, there might be one long route (from the east)and one shorter route (from west). The long onecould take 2 days and might be for those peoplewho are interested in the conservation of thesebuildings, the carob harvesting process and itsimportance to the Island, and the shorter one is forpresenting these buildings as examples of industrialheritage during the British colonial period. As somecannot be easily reached from the land, both a sea-way and a land-way could be developed. The sil-houette of the Five Finger Mountain and carobtrees can be experienced this way. The starting pointof the main route could be from Selonez (in theeast) and end in the main tourist harbour of Kyreniawhich also houses two carob warehouses itself. Theother route could start from Kayalar (in the west)and again culminates at the main harbour inKyrenia. The proposed routes could be advertisedthrough place marketing strategies. It could also beadded to the European Route of Industrial Heritage,the tourism information network of industrial her-itage in Europe.

The involvement of Stakeholders outlined

Figure 9. The front facade of the Kyrenia museum.

Figure 10. Proposed tourist routes for warehouses.

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biabove might identify possible uses for the buildings,as well as establish community needs and financingmechanisms. In line with the strategic planningpolicies that developed in National Physical Plan(2012) and the literature review, the following ideascould be tested:

• Carob ‘living’ museum making carob produce -but this could be linked to an agricultural technol-ogy and food sciences laboratory, researchingindigenous crops (carobs, figs, olives, grapes,dates) and could be leased to a local university asa public private partnership (PPP) for a peppercornrent in exchange for the long term maintenanceand upkeep. • Restored for short term holiday lets - spectacularlocation - isolated. Would make a great retreat forwriters and artists. • Flexible conversion for mixed educational uses • Small pension • Restaurant/ bar • Music/ theatre venue

Although the above uses relate to specific ware-houses, it is important to retain a conceptual linkbetween the collective group as this reinforces arelated narrative about authenticity and local dis-tinctiveness. And yet the proposed uses reflect con-temporary culture which of course includes valuingarchitectural heritage, and having a greater envi-ronmental awareness in any case, which, in thecase of the Carob Way, will include arrangementsfor power generation.

The absence of a service infrastructure willnecessitate power generation. It is suggested thatsun, wind and sea be captured with photovoltaics,relatively small and commercially available windgenerators and tidal power collectors, and that thiswill provide the needs of the converted warehous-es. Foul waste can go to a septic/ tight tank fortreating and recycling. As stated earlier, increasing-ly visitors are choosing to engage with ‘culturaltourism’ but at the same time reflect contemporarythoughts and concerns.

Experience in western Europe and else-where have demonstrated that small investments insoft (social) infrastructures at community level inaddition to hard (physical) infrastructures has morelong term benefit and is therefore more sustainable.In the UK and in other parts of western Europe localcivic societies play a crucial role in the advocacyand management of cultural resources.Organisations such as the National Trust, theLandmark Trust and the Society for the Protection ofAncient Buildings (SPAB) provide excellent servicesin promoting and (in the case of the LandmarkTrust) restoring important buildings for re-use as

holiday destinations, and in so doing generateincome to continue to carry on their work. Theseorganisations are often constituted as Trustsfinanced in part by the government, and are sup-ported by volunteers who take an active interest intheir cultural heritage. The promotion of such civicsocieties in North Cyprus (where civic society is cur-rently considered to be weak) could play a crucialadvocacy role.

The establishment of a Tourism InvestmentFund with clearly stated values and criteria couldhelp to maintain existing rural micro-economies inaddition to creating new ones. Moreover it is likelythat external/ international funding agencies wouldbe looking to invest only in projects that endorsedtheir own funding criteria which increasinglyincludes sustainability indicators. As suggested ear-lier, there is evidence to suggest that investment inauthentic local industries and local people will initself make North Cyprus more appealing for localsand visitors alike.

6 . Conc lus ion

The general aim of this study is to bring a lesserknown, authentic and appealing element of theIsland’s history both for the Island’s tourism indus-try and locals, but in a way that will positivelyimpact on a range of existing local micro-economies. In order for this to happen, effectively arange of stakeholders suggested to be engaged totest the proposals, and a cultural auditing exercisecarried out to establish local cultural resources andneeds. Cyprus is a unique place and this studycould help to establish and promote local distinc-tiveness and a responsible vision for a sustainablefuture. If successful, it can become a benchmark forother similar projects in developing countries.

Such an approach would not only determine usesfor the buildings along the way which were basedon the needs and aspirations of the various stake-holders, but would also have great value in termsof local advocacy and support as well as present-ing a range of funding possibilities. The implemen-tation of this proposal will require vision and dedi-cation but the benefits could be profound.

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Acknowledgements The authors wish to thank Mukaddes Faslı, Resmiye Alpar andEmine Reis for their support during the site survey of thisresearch.

List of Tables Table 1: Stakeholder typology. Table 2: Current conditions of the warehouses in NorthernCyprus.

List of Figures Figure 1: Location of Cyprus. Figure 2: A Carob tree and its fruits. Figure 3: A warehouse and its jetty in Yalousa in 1950s(Yenierenkoy) (Gursoy, 1962). Figure 4: A typical warehouse in Kaplıca (Davlos). Figure 5: Warehouses in Kayalar (1905) Figure 6: Location of the carob warehouses-the villages-start-ing from Kayalar to Kalecik. Figure 7: A carob warehouse in Mersinlik with additional units. Figure 8: Buttresses on the facades- Warehouse in Esentepe Figure 9: The front facade of the Kyrenia museum. Figure 10: Proposed tourist routes for warehouses.

Au thor (s ) :

Hulya YUCEERAdana Science and Technology University, Turkey

Beser OKTAY VEHBIEastern Mediterranean University, Northern Cyprus