‘Doors are always open’
BÜYÜKKONUK weathered a political boycott of its 21st Eco-Day on Sunday as thousands visited the festival for a “sell-out” celebration of traditional culture. Kıymet Alibey, head of the village women’s eco-tourism association, said: “Coachloads of tourists came early, while more local people turned up after lunch. What’s important is that they were genuine customers who love our traditions and support us. We thank them all.” She added: “We are all very happy and will still be here every day from 2-5pm at our market if you missed us!” Local women take turns at the small, seven-day-a-week eco-market of around eight stalls, now a favourite stop for tourist buses alongside the twice-yearly Eco-Day activities in May and October. Sunday’s festivalgoers browsed over 100 stalls and enjoyed folk dancing shows, demonstrations of village crafts and regional specialities and donkey rides along the main street
before closing concerts. Tourism and Environment Minister Fikri Ataoğlu said more than 1,000 tourists had visited the flagship festival which had pioneered recognition for Cypriot culture around the world.
He added in response to calls for people to stay away — in protest at mayor Ahmet Sennaroğlu’s support for violent January demonstrations against Afrika newspaper — that boycotting such events was in no-one’s interests.
VIP visitors also included former president Derviş Eroğlu, opposition National Unity Party leader Hüseyin Özgürgün, and the commanders of the Cyprus Turkish Peace and Security forces.
However many other politicians and objectors to Mr Sennaroğlu’s stance did not attend.
Mr Sennaroğlu thanked all who came, estimating 10,000 visitors, and emphasised that Büyükkonuk’s doors were “always open to offer hospitality for all”.
He sent “love and greetings to President Mustafa Akıncı, Prime Minister Tufan Erhürman, Kudret Özersay and Education Minister Cemal Özyiğıt”, who were absent.