Büyükkonuk Eco Day: PM Üstel says: Turkish Cypriots are preserving their own traditions and culture
The 28th traditional Eco Day event, organised in cooperation with the Mehmetçik Büyükkonuk Municipality and the Büyükkonuk Eco-Tourism Association, was held in the village square.
During the event, organised to preserve the country’s culture and pass it on to future generations, many traditions, customs, foods, beverages, and local handicrafts that are on the verge of being forgotten were presented to participants.
Speaking at the opening, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel stressed that events like Eco Day both kept cultural values alive and contributed to the promotion of the country…
The 28th Büyükkonuk Eco Day event, rich with the essence of Cyprus and featuring many handicrafts as well as food and beverages unique to the country, took place in the village square.
In addition to Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, the event was attended by some ministers, members of parliament, mayors, and citizens.
The event began with a moment of silence followed by the national anthem, after which speeches were delivered.
Mehmetçik-Büyükkonuk Mayor Fatma Çimen Tuğlu stressed that the Eco Day event kept the spirit, labour, and memory of these lands alive.
Tuğlu stated that through the Eco Day event, they built a bridge between the past and the future, adding that the event supported local production while also preserving Turkish Cypriot culture and protecting its collective memory.
She underlined that the Eco Day event represented an identity reflecting the country’s culture, traditions, and customs, noting that the festival was prepared with dedication, passion, and belief.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel also stated that the 28th Eco Day event was carried out very successfully, adding that the Turkish Cypriot people had continued their traditions and culture while carrying out their struggle for existence.
He stressed that throughout their struggle for existence, the Turkish Cypriot people had preserved their culture, language, religion, and traditions to reach the present day.
In his speech, Üstel also drew attention to the difficult period of struggle from the 1950s until 1974, stating that during those years the people survived through their own production, and that the productive power of women, especially housewives, played an important role in social life…
Prime Minister Üstel stated that the country’s cultural heritage was kept alive today through events such as Eco Day, noting that the event had become an important organisation where local people can exhibit and market their handmade products.
Stating that since taking office, they had placed great importance on strengthening local administrations, he said that thanks to the municipal reform implemented, the financial structure of municipalities had been strengthened and their service capacity had increased.
The Premier noted that municipalities which once struggled even to pay salaries were now able to provide services in many areas ranging from infrastructure and healthcare to roads and cultural activities…
Stressing that events like Eco Day both preserved cultural values and contributed to the country’s promotion, Üstel thanked the mayor, council members, and everyone who contributed to the organisation of the event.
Following the speeches, the Eco Day event continued with various folk dance performances.
Throughout the day, various activities were also offered to participants.
At the event, where many local foods and beverages were offered for sale and served, numerous handicrafts unique to Turkish Cypriot culture were also displayed at the stands.
