Our second encounter happened in the first years of my career as a tourist guide. While I was giving information to the group about St. Nicholas Cathedral (Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque) while walking around the walled city of Famagusta, an image like a film scene caught my eye. In the historical square, where the traces of different civilisations were located, a white-haired old man with a hat on his head was drawing under the historical cümbez tree. This old Englishman was none other than our William Dreghorn. I immediately directed my group of about 25 people towards that spot: "I would like to introduce a living history to you. The person next to me is a scientist who has devoted himself to Cyprus and loves Cyprus and Famagusta very much. Hello Dr William Dreghorn, what would you like to say to our guests as a person who has lived here for many years and has written books?" I said a little imperiously... He looked at me and us, obviously he liked this attention. This special person got up from his seat, raised his voice, which was getting hoarse, and gave us information about the historical square; "This square in Famagusta is the most beautiful square in the world. Because it is one of the rare places in the world where you can see the traces of three or even four different civilisations. Famagusta has the historical traces of civilisations; Lusignan, Venetian and Ottoman. That's why Famagusta is an open-air museum. I love to draw the historical places of this city. Every day, they look different and beautiful to my eyes." At the end of his speech, everyone applauded him, thanked him and took photos with him. My biggest regret about that day was not having my camera with me. Because although I took a photo of William Dreghorn drawing under the cümbez tree, where different civilisations intersect, I could not take the real one... Since that day, when I talk about Famagusta Square, I say, "The address where the traces of different civilisations meet. Open Air Museum. One of the most beautiful squares in the world...".
These two different memories, which took place in different years, have stuck in my mind. I was never able to see him again. During this period, I have archived all his books that I could find. I benefit from the visual feast consisting of simple information and drawings in the books.
Although not now, for many years, the "William Dreghorn Exhibition Hall", which is located in Kyrenia Castle and which was endeared to us by Archaeologist Rasime Öner during the Guiding Course I attended in 1996, was among the parts of the Castle that I liked and loved to tell...
Until the age of 93, William Dreghorn worked hard for the geological and historical heritage of the island of Cyprus. It is hard not to miss Cyprus, which he described in his books and drawings. I believe that having a centre where his works will be permanently exhibited is the most permanent way to carry him and his muses into the future. I hope that this debt of loyalty to him will be paid...
Bibliography: Written and oral memoirs of Taçgey Debeş, Dr Mehmet Ali Hacışevki and Müge Şevketoğlu about William Dreghorn were used.
Compiled by: Hasan Karlıtaş
