PCMA UW Research Centre in Cyprus is now officially open!

On 17 June 2025 in Pafos, the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology of the University of Warsaw officially inaugurated its Research Centre in Cyprus. The event coincided with the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the presence of Polish archaeologists in Nea Paphos – one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Both the anniversary and the unique nature of the occasion gave the event a particularly ceremonial character. The program began with a visit to the excavation site of the Polish expedition in Kato Paphos, followed by the opening of the photo exhibition “From Maloutena to the Agora: 60 Years of Polish Archaeology in Nea Paphos, Cyprus”, held at the En Plo Gallery in the old harbour. During the opening, Prof. Ewdoksia Papuci-Władyka delivered a moving speech, thanking all those who, over the years, had made it possible for the Centre in Cyprus to come into being: “So many people contributed to this that it is impossible to name them all here, but every effort has been recognised and is deeply appreciated.” The long-standing cooperation of Polish archaeologists in Cyprus was also recalled by the Director of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, Dr Giorgios Georgiou.

The evening was highlighted by a jazz concert by Grammy Award-winning pianist Włodek Pawlik, attended by more than 150 guests. The attendees also had the opportunity to view the photo exhibition presenting the history and discoveries of Polish archaeological expeditions in Paphos. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 5 July.

The second part of the ceremony took place in front of the Centre’s new headquarters. Thanks to the cooperation of the Municipality of Pafos, the street in front of the entrance was closed off to accommodate more than one hundred guests. The ceremony brought together numerous representatives of Cypriot and Polish authorities, including the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, Prof. Vasiliki Kassianidou; Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland, Prof. Andrzej Szeptycki; the Mayor of Pafos, Mr Phedonas Phedonos; the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Cyprus, Mr Marek Szczepanowski; members of the diplomatic corps; as well as representatives of Cypriot and Polish academic institutions, archaeologists, and enthusiasts of antiquity.

The highlight of the event was the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of a plaque at the new headquarters of the PCMA UW Research Centre. As emphasized by the Director of the PCMA UW, Prof. Artur Obłuski, in his speech:
“Today’s event — the official opening of the PCMA UW Research Centre in Cyprus — is not only a celebration for our Centre. It is the culmination of decades of fruitful cooperation with Cypriot authorities and partner institutions. From experience, we know that establishing such a Centre brings benefits far beyond logistical convenience. Certainly, it will serve as a base for archaeological expeditions. But its role will go much further. This Centre will be a place for collaboration, dialogue, and the shared pursuit of knowledge.”

An important part of the event, co-organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, was the awarding of state honours to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Polish–Cypriot cultural and academic cooperation. Decorations – including Gold and Silver Crosses of Merit and Honorary Badges “Bene Merito” – were presented by the Ambassador of Poland to Cyprus (see list below).

The PCMA UW Research Centre in Cyprus is the fourth foreign research unit of the University of Warsaw, alongside the Centres in Egypt, Sudan, and Georgia. Its establishment – initiated by a decision of the Rector of the University of Warsaw in 2021 – is part of broader efforts to internationalise the University’s research activities.

List of award recipients:

• Phedonas Phedonos, Mayor of Pafos
  Gold Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland
• Dr Giorgios Georgiou, Director of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus
  Gold Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland
• Themis Filippidis, Secretary of the Municipality of Pafos
  Silver Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland
• Dr Eleutherios Charalambous, Conservator, Department of Antiquities of Cyprus
  Silver Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland
• Andreas Soteriadis, retired Curator at the Ministry of Education of Cyprus, former lecturer at Frederic University in Limassol
  Silver Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland
• Margarita Kouali, Pafos Archaeological Museum, Department of Antiquities of Cyprus
  Silver Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland
• Dr Eustathios Raptou, Curator, Department of Antiquities of Cyprus
  Honorary Badge “Bene Merito” for contributions to strengthening Poland’s position on the international stage
  (Previously awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland)
• Prof. Ewdoksia Papuci-Władyka, Head of the Joint University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University Expedition in Nea Paphos; Director of the PCMA UW Research Centre in Cyprus
  Honorary Badge “Bene Merito” for contributions to strengthening Poland’s position on the international stage