‘Lapta should become a alternative tourism hub’
“LAPTA has managed to remain a hidden heaven among five-star hotels and concrete,” Prime Minister Tufan Erhürman said, adding: “We have protected it, now it is high time to make it an alternative tourism area.”
Speaking last Saturday at the sixth annual Ayrelli (Wild Asparagus) Festival in the village of Akdeniz, on the TRNC’s west coast and part of Lapta district, Dr Erhürman commented: “Lapta [district] is an area larger than the island of Malta and also has rich historic, cultural and agricultural resources.
“We need to question why it does not benefit from those as much as Malta.
“We will make it an alternative tourism area, and will also promote the area from Lapta to Yeşilırmak and from Bafra to the Karpaz as an alternative tourism hub.”
Among other VIP visitors to the festival was President Mustafa Akıncı, who told the crowd he had “become an asparagus fan” by visiting Akdeniz regularly. “I did not eat it much before, but have done so since discovering its taste and nutritional value.”
Highlighting Akdeniz’s attractions, including its history, countryside surroundings, sea, sand lilies and beaches, the president added: “More important than those, however, are the hospitality, kindness and talents of the villagers. My office fully supports projects that help to promote the village.”
On the opposite side of the country, the focus moved on Sunday from asparagus to artichokes with the staging of the ninth annual Gafgarıt (Artichoke) Festival in the village of Yiğitler, between Lefkoşa and Gazimağusa, where, in addition to the usual attractions there was also a cooking competition using artichokes.
“Such festivals as this provide an opportunity for people from various parts of the island to come to other villages and learn about their vegetables, fruits and plants,” Dr Erhürman, who was again among the visitors.
“Such festivals are also a great opportunity for the country’s tourism sector. I constantly say that gambling is not our main attraction. Furthermore, sunny weather and sandy beaches are also not our main attraction, as you can get those in other countries. If you compete, as we do, with other Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy, Turkey and Greece, you need to find something special to offer [to tourists].
“That attraction is surely our culture . . . it is what we eat and drink, our folk dances. If we can utilise the opportunity, festivals such as this can attract more alternative tourists to our country.”
Another local tradition, that of “sesta”, or wickerwork, was celebrated at the sixth Serdarlı Spring Sesta Fetival organised by the Mesaoria village’s municipality. The event on Sunday included poetry readings and dance shows along with stalls selling local produce and handicrafts.
The importance of wickerwork in Turkish Cypriot culture was highlighted by head of Serdarlı Health and Culture Association Şenay Serdar, who said: “The skill of wickerwork should not be lost and courses are provided by our association to teach that skill to younger generations.”
During a busy weekend visiting festivals, President Akıncı said: “It is our vital role to sustain the identity of Turkish Cypriots on these lands.”
Emphasising “the democratic and secular identity” of Turkish Cypriots, he said: “We are proud of having this identity, which is one that appreciates enlightenment, tolerance, empathy and encourages young people to ask questions.”