Filenews 21 October 2021 - by Pambos Vasilas
Remnants of the Ottoman network of water pipes of the city of Larnaka, brought to light the sewerage works and the archaeological excavations in the city of Zeno, further enriching the archaeological treasure on which the city sits. Specifically, these are some pipeline pipes, made of clay alloy, found in the area of the Tuzla mosque, behind the Metropolis of Larnaka.
As it emerges from historical writings, in 1745, with a personal donation of the Turkish official Abu Bekir, to the Cypriot Dragoumanos Christofakis, the water supply network of Kamares was constructed, consisting of a total of 75 Kamares, who carried water to Larnaka from the riverbed of Tremithos. In Larnaka, the water through pipes branched into seven fountains (fountains) in different parts of the city. One of these points was the Ottoman Hammam (bath) in today's Hamid Bay Square, opposite the Tuzla Mosque and behind the Metropolis of Larnaka, where the pipes were found. With the water of Tremithos, the Ottoman bath was aqueducted, as well as a fountain created by the Venetians, whose Turks made sure to destroy as much as possible the Venetian characteristics.
The bathroom of Hamid Bay Square is preserved complete and in a relatively good condition and according to information provided by "F", it has been granted to Larnaka Municipality for future promotion and exhibital exploitation. It is worth mentioning that the Tuzla mosque itself is of archaeological interest since it is essentially a former Catholic church built in the 12th - 13th century AD and inside it Christian frescoes have been found on the walls. The minaret is the former bell tower of this church.
Commenting on the new findings, the director of the Larnaka Sewerage Board, Angelos Hadjicharalambous, said that it is a fact that has been pointed out many times that the city is built on an archaeological treasure of various civilizations left by the various conquerors, the oldest of which is the Phoenician civilization that reaches the long run in about 1000 BC. Below Larnaka, he added, there are also important archaeological finds of the Geometric Period, the Early Christian, Ottoman and Persian eras of conquest of the island.
According to Mr. Angelos Hadjicharalambous, apart from the mosaic of Hercules that was found a few years ago during the sewerage works in Larnaka, a great discovery could be characterized and the discovery of two imposing built tombs of the early Christian period, in which they placed the dead along with their personal belongings. And in fact, they are so impressive that someone in order to enter them, he needs to go down a few stairs.
According to the director of the Larnaka Sewerage Board, the likelihood of someone being found opposite an ancient object in the city is increased. It is enough to dig in a length of five meters and a depth that begins sometimes for various findings from 30 centimetres.
In another important development for the Larnaka Sewerage Board, the organization is intensively preparing for its expansionary programs, namely phase C. 2. Which includes the integration in its network of the communities of Oroklini and Pyla. In the same phase are included the Municipalities of Aradippou and Livadia. The Board of Directors of the Organization decided to wait for a while for the next resources to see what will happen with the raising of resources for the above development program, otherwise it will proceed only for the communities of Oroklini and Pyla, securing with its own efforts the necessary funding.
