Architectural landscapes reveal culture
Adopting a novel methodological framework, the TIEM project diverted from the study of isolated monuments and groups of individual buildings. Instead, it delved into architectural landscapes to outline a clearer picture of the architectural legacy of the eastern Mediterranean. In the period under study, the region's islands became socio-political entities bridging the East and the West — Chios, Crete, Cyprus and Rhodes became Europe's gateways to the East. Project work concentrated on architectural networks and systems connected by ideological principles, religious beliefs, economic routes and political goals. For example, visual aspects of the fortification works sponsored by the Knights of St. John in Rhodes and Cyprus were examined. These landscapes represent a conscious construction of a signature image of a society engaged in an ongoing Crusader war effort. Systematic study of Byzantine monasteries in Cyprus points to sophisticated cultural strategies employed by the Byzantine State whose monastic communities succeeded in retaining close links with local populations. Research results have been presented in papers and at scholarly lectures as well as international meetings. TIEM's work has been recognised for its contributions with an invitation to contribute to Archmap. This is an initiative dedicated to creating an online digital platform and a map-based repository for the study of architecture and archaeology. As such, TIEM research will continue and its scope will be expanded in the framework of a high-level international collaboration. TIEM's work and outcomes have also paved the way for collaboration with archaeological authorities in Greece and Cyprus. Related initiatives hold significant benefits for educational tourism as well as the preservation and management of cultural heritage in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Keywords
Cultural identity, eastern Mediterranean, architectural landscape, archaeology, cultural heritage
