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Unearthing the ancient language spoken in Cyprus

Cyprus Mail · 2026-09-09

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: The Faneromeni26 Arts Festival concluded with a contemporary performance titled "Ledra’s Lament," held on September 10 at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, featuring music, dance, design, and drag art. • Why it matters: The performance aims to revive interest in Eteocypriot, an ancient language of Cyprus, while reflecting on the historical and ecological context of Nicosia, promoting inclusivity and cultural heritage. • What to watch next: Audience engagement and community participation in the performance, as well as potential future events or initiatives that may arise from the themes explored in "Ledra’s Lament."

**Unearthing the Ancient Language Spoken in Cyprus**

Nicosia, Cyprus – The Faneromeni26 Arts Festival is set to conclude its summer edition with a unique contemporary performance titled "Ledra’s Lament." Scheduled for Thursday, September 10, the event will take place in the courtyard of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation at 8:30 PM. This performance is notable for its cross-communal approach and non-narrative style, showcasing a blend of music, dance, design, and drag art.

Organizers describe the performance as a reflection on Nicosia’s historical and ecological context. Once referred to as the "city of gardens," Nicosia was characterized by its fertile land and plentiful water resources. "Ledra’s Lament" seeks to explore the remnants of this rich ecosystem, drawing inspiration from the ancient city of Ledra. The production aims to highlight the historical memory and archives associated with this significant site, proposing that the past serves as a living source of inspiration for contemporary art.

A key aspect of the performance is its exploration of Eteocypriot, an ancient language that was once spoken in Cyprus but has largely faded from public consciousness. The creator and director, Kris Muhammed Adem, is dedicated to excavating traces of this language, integrating it into the performance to revive interest in Cyprus's linguistic heritage.

The performance will feature a diverse group of artists and researchers, including Troodia Christodoulou, Mizgin Bozkaya İçli, Noa Daoulatian, Doğa Uluçlar, Ahmet Zildji, Chiara Capizzi, Selsu Solman, Ayda Canova, Hayal Gezer, DIANA, Cosmo Mo Rose, Aphroditios, Hazal Barışer, and Kris Muhammed Adem himself. This collaboration reflects the festival's commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of various artistic expressions.

"Ledra’s Lament" is positioned as a culmination of the festival's offerings, inviting audiences to engage with the themes of history, language, and ecology in a thought-provoking manner. Admission to the performance is free, allowing for broad community participation and encouraging a diverse audience to experience the arts.

As the Faneromeni26 Arts Festival draws to a close, "Ledra’s Lament" promises to be a memorable event that not only entertains but also educates and inspires reflection on the ancient roots of Cyprus and the importance of preserving its cultural heritage. For more information about the performance and the festival, interested individuals can visit the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation's website at www.boccf.org.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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