South Cyprus municipality objects to north Cyprus’s planned 40m statue

The proposal for a forty-metre statue in the TRNC, dubbed the Noble Peasant, which drew international attention has been criticised by the Kyrenia municipality in southern Cyprus.

The proposed project was reported earlier this month with some observers noticing some of the moustachioed peasant’s features appearing out of proportion from certain angle.

Now Kyrenia municipality in southern Cyprus has objected on principle to the statue.

“This action constitutes yet another violation of the property status in northern Cyprus,” it said on Thursday.

“The erection of any monuments must receive the approval of government of southern Cyprus and respect the environmental character of the island.”

The plans for the 40m statue, depicting a crouching peasant donning traditional headwear, would see it stand taller than Christ the Redeemer and higher than the body of the Statue of Liberty – but many have dismissed it, saying it will never materialise.

The municipality further said that the statue’s proposed location is also provocative as it would overlook the Kyrenia harbour, where the 1974 intervention began.

It also referred to the project’s website, saying that plans for the statue to be light up at night is reminiscent of the TRNC flag on the mountain.