Readers Mail
from Sue Tilt and Carole King…
This year Kanser Hastalarına Yardım Derneği /Help Those With Cancer Association (Tulips) are organising a Pink Walk to launch Pink October 2017 for Breast Cancer awareness.
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North Cyprus Cricket : A new twist in the Creditwest, Spring 2017 Cricket League
Last Sunday the 7th May, saw the first match between Middle East Technical University vs Near East University which was held at the Bellapais ground. Winning the toss, Masroor Ahmed the Near East University, Captain invited Middle East Technical University to bat first.
METU made a very grumpy start when they went 6 wickets down in six overs with a total of 62 runs in 9 overs with Captain, Muzzamil and tail ender hitting a strong 38 runs. Now it was looking like NEU had good prospects of a win but METU came back into the game with a help of their strong hitter Nihal with 16 runs, Khalid with 10 and Danial with 15 useful runs to give a defendable target of 151 runs in 20 overs.
In reply to 151 runs, the NEU didn’t look confident at all, when both openers were confused by the brilliant bowling performances from the METU bowlers. NEU were continuously losing wickets and .the only resistance showed, was from all-rounder Adeel but still that was not good enough. After Adeel lost his wicket it was obvious that METU had stamped their 3 victory in the Creditwest Spring 2017 Cricket League.
The second match held was between the home team, Gentlemen of Girne against guest team, Eastern Mediterranean University. Danish Afridi, the Captain of Gentlemen of Girne, repeated his tradition of winning the toss and invited EMU Captain, Sohail Khilji to bat first.
Once again the Gentlemen openers and top order failed to provide a good start, when it went 4 wickets down in just six overs with a total score of 20 runs. EMU looked in a very strong position at this time but Waqas Ahmed scored 12 runs, on the 5th wicket, and after that it was a match turning performance, by SajjadKamal who scored 32 runs with help of 4 sixes and 1 four and Ather Mir scored 46 runs with help of 6 sixes, and 2 fours. That gave great confidence to Gentlemen hitters Wajid with 14 and Ali not out on 13 runs and the Gentlemen were all out in 18 overs with total of 158 runs.
In reply to 158 runs, EMU didn’t make a very good start when EMU Majid Khan was caught behind on the beautiful out swing bowling delivery by Janwali Khan and EMU were in trouble. After that Sohail Khilji, Captain of EMU, came out to rescue his team, but the luck was not with EMU when Khilji gave a straight catch to Gentlemen’s Captain Danish Afridi in short cover, and EMU were now in bigger trouble. At this time Gentlemen’s Captain, Danish Afridi brought in his team magician Shahzad Malik, the left arm spin bowler who completely destroyed EMU and they were all out on 82 runs in 17 overs giving the Gentlemen a good come back win in the Creditwest Spring Cricket League 2017,
Next Sunday matches on the 14th of May, 09:00 am, Gentlemen of Girne and Ozankoy Cricket Team and at 13:00 pm the Lefkosa Legends vs Eastern Mediterranean University
For more information go to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Cricket Club Facebook page click here or Contact Chairman of TRNC Cricket Association Danish Afridi
Telephone: 0548 890 4835 or email danisheen2001@yahoo.com
TRNC News 17.4.2017 Akıncı: “The basis of living together in Cyprus is trust”
Akıncı: “The basis of living together in Cyprus is trust”
Speaking at an event, President Akıncı has said that the basis of living together in Cyprus is the building of trust between the two communities, and that attacks and harassment, which Turkish Cypriots face in South Cyprus, have already damaged the climate of confidence.
President Akıncı noted that 22 incidents of attacks and harassment of Turkish Cypriots in South Cyprus have been recorded. He added that these were the cases that have been reported in the press, and came to light, after a complaint to the Greek Cypriot police and that a new one is being added to them every day.
In his speech, Akıncı said: “The building of trust between the two communities is crucial if we want to establish a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal structure, in order to live in peace on this island. This trust cannot be achieved by attacking Turkish Cypriots’ cars and those who travel to South Cyprus”
Akıncı also said, “As the Turkish Cypriot community, we would be content to see those who commit these crimes brought before the court and punished. Only if this occurs can we establish a deterrent and develop a culture of peace in Cyprus. “
Akıncı continued, “The negotiations have resumed. We currently have 4 scheduled meetings. These 4 meetings are vital. In this process, the UN should be more active and more helpful than ever. We do not have any expectations for the UN to arbitrate, to put official proposals on the table, or to fill in the gaps as in the Annan Plan.
President Akıncı said, “It is crucial that every state is to be functional. It is also important that representatives of every state must participate in the decision making process in each state structure.”
Furthermore, Akıncı stressed that no party should be seen to simply ‘take place’ in a two-wing structure. Just as it is important to take part in those structures, both sides must also have influence in making the decisions that the structures will produce. A culture of partnership and federal understanding otherwise cannot develop. “
“We need a culture of peace and cooperation rather than conflict. Both communities have the right and share in natural gas reserves. We can only reveal and utilize them in the context of cooperation in an environment of peace and solution-building”
He also added that there is a “natural calendar” for the process, saying we need to be able to create the parameters of a solution until July.”
Ertuğruloğlu meets with the General Director of the Islamic Development Bank
The Foreign Minister, who is holding meetings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, met with the General Director of the Islamic Development Bank, Bender Bin Muhammed Bin Hamza Al Haccar.
During the meeting, which was held at the Head Office of the Islamic Development Bank, it was discussed how the Bank could support the economy, higher education, tourism and the infrastructure in the TRNC.
Minister Ertuğruloğlu also informed the General Director of the Islamic Development Bank, Haccar about the progress of the Cyprus negotiations. Additionally, Ertuğruloğlu gave detailed information about higher education and tourism which are the main locomotives of the TRNC economy, and invited Haccar to the TRNC to have a chance to get to know the country.
Expressing that the TRNC takes its place at the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an observer member, Ertuğruloğlu remarked on the importance of developing relationships between OIC member countries and the TRNC.
Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot people have been burdened with unfair embargoes for many years, Ertuğruloğlu said that cooperation of OIC member countries with the TRNC will have benefits for the Turkish Cypriot people.
Furthermore, Minister Ertuğruloğlu met with OIC Islamic Solidarity Fund Executive Director, İbrahim Abdullah Al-Khuzayem within the framework of his meetings in Saudi Arabia.
Ertuğruloğlu meets with Useymin
Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu met with the Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yusuf Bin Ahmed El Useymin at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
At the meeting, Minister Ertuğruloğlu gave detailed information about the TRNC and invited the Secretary-General to the country.
Pointing out the importance that OIC member countries to know and visit the TRNC, Ertuğruloğlu noted that close co-operation of the OIC member countries with the TRNC would be supportive and beneficial for the Turkish Cypriot people in overcoming the embargoes.
Stating that the TRNC is ready for all kinds of cooperation in the fields of tourism, trade and education, Ertuğruloğlu said that over 22,000 students from the OIC member countries have received education in the TRNC, and stressed the importance of developing this kind of cooperation.
Minister Ertuğruloğlu briefed the Secretary–General about the Cyprus problem and the ongoing fifty-year negotiation process. Emphasizing that political equality and sovereignty rights are very important for the Turkish Cypriot people, Ertuğruloğlu stated that Turkey’s guarantee is also indispensable for Turkish Cypriots.
Ertuğruloğlu added that Turkish Cypriots would be happy and honoured to host Mr. Useymin in the TRNC.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding religious ceremonies and liturgies
TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding religious ceremonies and liturgies. The statement is as follows:
“As we have repeatedly expressed on every occasion where the issue of religious freedoms has come up, the freedoms of religion, thought and conscience are under the protection of the Constitution of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). All individuals residing in our country, including foreign nationals, are free to join any sort of religious ceremonies and liturgies as long as they are not in violation of public order and public morality.
In this connection, it should also be noted that Maronites and Greek Cypriots, who opted to reside within the territory of the TRNC are free to conduct religious services, held by their own priests in eight major Churches in the villages in which they are residing (Dipkarpaz, Sipahi, Koruçam, Karapaşa, Hisarköy and Özhan) without any restrictions or prior notification. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the number of collective religious services to be held in 3 significant churches (Apostolos Andreas, St Barnabas and St. Mamas). Arrangements regarding other religious sites which are suitable for worship are only logistical and safety-related arrangements and do not entail any restrictions on individuals’ right to worship.
Statistical information regarding religious service requests in recent years is as follows:
In 2013, 38 of the 47 applications were granted permission, whereas 9 were denied permission.
In 2014, 71 of the 107 applications were granted permission, whereas 36 were denied permission.
In 2015, 96 of the 128 applications were granted permission, whereas 32 were denied permission so far.
In 2016, 109 of the 193 applications were granted permission, whereas 54 were denied permission.
Among the 33 applications placed up until 23 April 2017, 25 have been granted permission.
Unfortunately, the Greek Cypriot side has turned a blind eye to the restrictions it places on Turkish Cypriots to worship collectively at Mosques in Southern Cyprus, including Hala Sultan Mosque. Moreover, the Greek Cypriots have repeatedly exploited the goodwill we have shown in this regard and insist on applying to hold masses at locations and on dates where they are well aware it is not possible to hold services. We deem it necessary to emphasize that we consider it our duty and responsibility to take the necessary precautions against the political exploitation on religious freedoms.”
Akpınar selected as the North Cyprus President of the International Diplomats Union and Vice-president of the EU and the UN sectors
The Girne American University (GAU) Founding Rector and Chancellor of the Board – Serhat Akpınar, has been selected as the North Cyprus President, and the EU and UN Vice-President of the Association of International Diplomats.
His duties were officially appointed at a ceremony held in Germany.
Making a statement after he was selected, Akpınar said, “As a Turkish Cypriot, I am honoured, on behalf of my Country, to be awarded a duty with such significance.”
Stating that the Association are to make a special expansion at the end of June, Akpınar said that the Central Office of the Association of International Diplomats in the TRNC will be officially opened, in order to increase activity in the EU and the UN.
Source: TRNC Public Information Office –
To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here
Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.
TRNC News Review – 1st March 2017
Akıncı addresses General Assembly of the 13th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Heads of State Summit
Yesterday, President Mustafa Akıncı addressed the General Assembly of the the 13th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Heads of State Summit in Islamabad.
In his speech, Akıncı emphasized the importance of developing closer relations with the ECO, and gave information on the Cyprus negotiations process.
President Akıncı also attended the dinner given in honour of the heads of state gathered in Islamabad, in order to attend the 13th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Heads of State Summit. Akıncı was welcomed by the President of Pakistan, Hüseyin Memnun.
Additionally, President Akıncı held a telephone conversation with the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson
Prime Minister Özgürgün: “I do not see any benefit in continuing negotiations, due to the mentality of the Greek Cypriots”
Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün has said that he does not see any benefit in continuing the Cyprus negotiations, due to the mentality of the Greek Cypriots.
Responding to questions on Diyalog TV, Prime Minister Özgürgün stated that President Akıncı’s reaction towards the Greek Cypriot Parliament’s Enosis decision was right, but that his overall stance is just as important as the reaction given.
Özgürgün said “the Turkish Cypriot people are equal inhabitants of this island. We are as well-informed, experienced and wise as the Greek Cypriots on matters of state. Why should I tolerate the Greek Cypriot side’s selfish stance?”
Pointing out that the Greek Cypriots have perceived Turkish Cypriots as a minority over the course of the island’s history, Özgürgün said that they were faced with a mentality which desires unification of the island with Greece.
Emphasising that the Turkish Cypriots have always objected to Enosis, and struggle not to be treated as a minority society, Prime Minister Özgürgün said “At this point, the continuation of negotiations on logical grounds is not possible.”
Referring to the Greek Cypriot Parliament’s Enosis decision, Özgürgün said, “The decision was taken with the intention of reuniting the island with Greece; why should we continue to sit at the negotiation table with those with such an outlook”..
Ertuğruloğlu: “No one has the right to build up the hopes of Turkish Cypriots, only to cause disappointment”
Speaking about the Cyprus negotiation process, Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu has said that that no one has right to create expectation among Turkish Cypriot people, only to then cause disappointment.
Ertuğruloğlu was responding to questions about the Cyprus negotiations and domestic politics while participating in a programme for Genç TV.
In response to the question; “Have the negotiations collapsed?” Foreign Minister Ertuğruloğlu said, “I tried to point out that I did not have any expectations from the beginning of the negotiation process”.
Ertuğruloğlu responded to the questions as follows:
“50 years of the Turkish Cypriot people have been stolen with deceptive negotiation processes on the basis of inequality, not equality in Cyprus.
“The rights that the Turkish Cypriot people can obtain in the current negotiation process are minority rights.
“The Greek Cypriot side is making fun of us. Aside from the negotiation table, embargoes against the Turkish Cypriot people continue. The Turkish Cypriots are seen as a minority by the Greek Cypriots, who continue to accuse Turkey of being an ‘occupying state’, and the works on natural resources are still on-going.
“Even today, at the current point in time, I do not believe ‘the negotiations should be abandoned’. We do not have a policy of leaving the negotiations, but if the talks continue, there must be a chance of success – we must not waste our time.
“The Cyprus case is a national case. The Cyprus negotiation process will be conducted, defended and enacted together with Turkey.
We said we should not give a ‘final’ map in Geneva, yet it was given. The government’s sine qua non was not taken into consideration. We have not seen the map yet.
“No one is at fault for the collapsing process in Switzerland. I do not blame the Greek Cypriot side, because the all too familiar Greek dogma has raised its head again. Unsurprisingly, they see us as a ‘minority’, and Turkey as an ‘occupying state’.
“A negotiation process or a partnership is not the only option. 50 years have passed under the negotiation process.
“As long as the Turkish Cypriot side is regarded as a community and the Greek Cypriot side as a state at the negotiation table, the expectation for a solution is wrong.
We must return to the table in the most appropriate way, because the Greek Cypriot side will never be blamed, and accusations towards us are much easier. “Therefore, we must proceed in the process in a suitable way so that the finger of blame cannot be pointed at us.
“Yet what will we talk about with the mentality which is being demonstrated by the Greek Cypriot side? Our basic wish is equality.
“We must not leave the negotiation table, but we must act rationally. If negotiations continue after that, they should be held on a state to state basis.
“We should be treated as the TRNC in partnership. These objectives can be put forward with Motherland Turkey.”
Atun: “We actively encourage foreign investors to come to the TRNC”
Addressing the 22nd Council of Ministers meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organisation in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, the TRNC Economy and Energy Minister Sunat Atun stated that the TRNC wants to develop opportunities for cooperation in the field of tourism with member countries of the ECO.
According to the Economy Ministry, Atun said that the TRNC was ready to actively encourage foreign investors to come to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and that they will provide information to interested investors on investment opportunities and incentives offered by the TRNC government.
Additionally, Atun stated that the embargoes imposed on North Cyprus should be lifted regardless of the negotiation process which has, for now, failed to achieve any results due to the Greek Cypriot side’s inflexibility.
Egyptian sailor arrested in South Cyprus
It was reported that the captain of the ship “Star Sea”, which anchored in the port of Vasiliko to unload, was arrested for sailing from the Famagusta Port last year.
The Greek Cypriot daily newspaper Politis reported that it was determined that the ship departed from Famagusta Port on 23 March 2016. According to the article, the Larnaca District Court ordered a 2-day arrest of 60-year-old ship captain, Raşit Aptala on the grounds that “he went sailing illegally from the occupied port”.
Source: TRNC Public Information Office –
To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here
INSERT Image
Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.
North Cyprus Football : Esentepe Win In Mud Bath
ESENTEPE KKSK 2 LAPTA TSK 1
Friday December 30 2016 : K-Pet League 1 White Group : Esentepe Erdal Barut Stadium
By Richard Beale………….
Esentepe won this vital top 3 game against Lapta in treacherous conditions, to take all 3 points to put them back in promotion contention. With the heavy rain recently the pitch in places resembled a quagmire, but credit to both teams as they served up a feast of football for the spartan crowd. With the match being played on a Friday, this match attracted a small crowd with probably 20 from Lapta and approx 75 home supporters. Just as well, as in the 88th minute there was a full blown mini riot among the spectators which held the game up for 5 minutes.
Esentepe started brightly and after Tacettin shot just over the bar, they took the lead in the 10th minute. Young Emre Soytürk playing at right back joined the attack and sent in a lovely cross which was met at the near post by TACETTIN, who sent in a glancing header which went into the net off the near post in between the diving Mustafa Dağman 1-0.
Esentepe nearly increased their lead in the 13th minute following a corner from the left taken by Umar, Eser unmarked at the far post met the cross and sent his header just wide.
Esentepe were making a mockery of the cloying mud as Lapta struggled to cope with the home teams incessant attacks. In the 25th minute following an Esentepe corner, the ball was cleared to Mahmut who put in a cross which glanced off Uğurcan‘s head to Firat, the tall Esentepe defender put in a good shot but it went just wide.
Very much against the run of play, with virtually their first threat on goal Lapta equalised when they won a free kick just outside the box in the 28th minute. They played a short free kick to Yasin who turned in the area, with Esentepe defenders hesitating he miss kicked his shot wide of the advancing Ali, the ball was trickling towards the line in the mud before OSMAN made sure following up. 1-1.
Esentepe continued to dominate and create chances, Umar was put through on the right eluded his marker and shot to the near post where goalkeeper Mustafa dived to parry the ball for a corner.
In injury time Lapta put together a great move in a quick raid down the left flank as Selçuk outstripped Emre before putting over a fine cross where it was met by leading goalscorer Ertuğ who vollied high over the bar, where he may have had time to control the ball first.
In the first half Esentepe had played some great football but maybe they would pay later for not taking their chances. HALF TIME : 1-1
The pitch had now cut up badly, with the players slipping and sliding as they struggled to keep their balance.
Tacettin put in after clever play by Başak saw his effort blocked at the near post by keeper Mustafa.
Lapta came more into the game and in the 69th minute following a Ramazan free kick Olgun put in a powerful header that Ali in the Esentepe goal did well to push over the bar.
Back came Esentepe and they took a deserved lead in the 73rd minute following a cross from substitute Muhammed from the right, the ball was gathered by Tacettin who turned and saw his shot at the near post parried by Mustafa, only for the ball to land to ESER who shot into the net. 2-1.
Then came the mini riot following an off the ball incident involving Eser and a Lapta player, which ended with the visiting player laying injured near the left corner flag. The Lapta supporters, including women, saw some injustice and ran towards the incident, some Esentepe supporters got involved firstly trying to defuse the issue, but following a number of punches being thrown one which hit Eser, the remaining Esentepe supporters joined in the fray. Both sets of players and both benches ran across the pitch, so there was fighting on and outside the pitch. In the meantime the Police tried to form a barrier separating both set of fans. Us 5 English were probably the only ones not to be involved. Several well known local faces were involved before peace was restored and the game was able to restart.
With 4 minutes of injury time being added Lapta threw everything at Esentepe including the kitchen sink, Ismail shot just wide then Osman tried his luck with a shot which saw the flying Ali tip the ball for a corner. FULL TIME : 2-1.
SUMMING UP : A great game of football, credit to both sides in trying conditions, it was a hard fought very competitive game played in good spirit by both set of players. Shame about the crowd disturbances at the end.
Esentepe had to win this match to stay in contention at the top and also send them into the winter’s break in good spirit. No outstanding players for the Esentepe team they all performed equally well, altogether a good team effort.
ESENTEPE TEAM : (4-4-1-1, replacements in brackets, merit marks out of 10
Ali (gk) 8 : Emre Soytürk 8, Nersin 8, Firat 8, Uğurcan 8 : Umar 8 (Muhammed), İlyas 8, Mahmut 8, Eser 8 (Reşat 90): Başak 8 (Mehmet Bebek 89) : Tacettin 8 :
Replacements not used : Tuğrul : Burak, Derman :
ESENTEPE MEN OF THE MATCH : ESENTEPE TEAM.
Esentepe’s Tacettin celebrating his goal.
FACTS AND FIGURES:
Season 2016-17 results so far :
Oct 22 : Bostanci Bağıl A2-0 Tacettin (2)
Oct 29 : OZANKÖY H1-1 Eser.
Nov 5 : Girne Halk Evi A3-0 Firat, Tacettin, Uğurcan.
Nov12: TATLISU HOSK H2-0 Tacettin, Eser.
Nov20: Karşiyaka A2-0 Eser, İlyas
Nov27: GÖNYELI H3-3 Başak, Tacettin, Firat.
Dec11 : Denizli A0-0.
Dec18 : DOĞANCI H0-2
Dec25 : Serdarlı A— Postponed.
Dec30 : Lapta H2-1 Tacettin, Eser.
2017
Jan 21: Serdarlı A
LEAGUE APPEARANCES ( replacements in brackets )
9 : Ali, Nersin, Eser, Başak, Tacettin : 8 : Firat, Hüseyin : 7: İlyas (2), Umar (1), Uğurcan : 6: Mahmut (2), Muhammed (1) : 3
Emre Soytürk (5) : 1 : Mehmet Bebek (6) : Burak (4) : 0 apps : Emrah (2), Reşat (2) :
LEAGUE GOALS : 6: Tacettin : 4 : Eser : 2 : Firat : 1: Başak, İlyas, Uğurcan
There is a mini break now for the winter, the Football Federation have not yet released January/February fixtures.
The rearranged match away to Serdarlı, is on Saturday January 21, kick off 2-30pm at Turunçu Hasan Bardakko Stadium.
WE WISH ALL PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT, STAFF, SUPPORTERS AND EVERYONE A HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR 2017.
Please watch a match highlights video by Graham Brown below and to read more of his news on Esentepe Community please click here
What’s New on BRT2 Television 26/11/2016 with Can Gazi, Dean Lewis and Igor Lychev
By Can Gazi…….
This week on my talk show A Cup Of Conversation I have two guests who both have a background in media.
Dean Lewis has worked on radio in his native America whilst Igor Lychev has presented many radio and television programmes in his homeland Russia. Both Dean and Igor have lot to share about their interesting lives.
Catch our banter on BRT2 TV this Saturday the 26th of November at 12 noon.
Do follow us online at “A Cup of Conversation” your favourite TV show by clicking here and selecting the live broadcast.
Happy viewing and do have a great weekend
For Radio lovers :
Do tune into Bayrak International Live where you can join me on a number of great radio shows that bring you great music and thoughts and comments of the day,
We are transmitting these shows on 6.150 MH/z. Short-wave, 87.8 and 105 FM Stereo. You can also tune in to live streaming of these shows on your PC by clicking here . These great shows full of entertainment, are as follows :
Northern Exposure: A tourism show that gives information about the history, geography and culture of North Cyprus. Mainly features local events that are of interest to the public.
Take 5: A request show dedicated to playing all types of music; requests mainly taken from Facebook.
The Breakfast Show: A weekend morning show with interesting world news, Facebook quotes and an affirmation slot read by a regular listener, Alice Smith.
Monday : 1700 to 19.00 Northern Exposure with Fatoş Baykal and Can Gazi
Tuesday : 1700 to 19.00 Northern Exposure with Fatoş Baykal and Can Gazi
Wednesday : 1700 to 19.00 Northern Exposure with Fatoş Baykal and Can Gazi
Thursday : 1700 to 19.00 Northern Exposure with Fatoş Baykal and Can Gazi
Friday : 14.00 to 16.00 Take 5 with Can Gazi
Friday : 1700 to 19.00 Northern Exposure with Fatoş Baykal and Can Gazi
Saturday : 07.00 to 10.00 The Breakfast Show with Can Gazi
Sunday : 07.00 to 10.00 The Breakfast Show with Can Gazi
Do join us and have a great week with the
special sounds from
Bayrak International Live.
For those local readers who have interesting hobbies or interests who think it could make an interesting subject for a TV show, do please send me a message.
News from TULIPS……..Grant Contract Signed for Kyrenia Youth and Resource Centre (GİGEM) Project
News from SOS Children’s Village…….
SOS Children’s Village is preparing to launch a new EU-funded project targeting young people at social risk in the Kyrenia area.
The grant contract for the “Kyrenia Youth & Resource Centre” (GİGEM) Project was signed at the European Union Project Support Office (EUPSO) in Nicosia, on 10th October 2016.
The GİGEM Project, which aims to improve the employability and self-employment of young individuals at risk in the Kyrenia district, will receive 90% of its funding by the European Union, under the Innovation and Change in Education VI programme.
The total cost of the project will be €221,571, of which approximately €199,413 will be funded by the European Union for 28 months.
As well as offering services open to the public, the project aims to serve 150 young people (aged 16-26) at social risk, by providing education, training and employment opportunities.
Based on the needs of the young people, GİGEM will provide career guidance services, psycho-social support, education aimed at developing life skills, vocational training courses, internship and on-the-job training opportunities.
The centre will provide a range of services in collaboration with the North Cyprus Young Businessmen Association (GİAD), the Labour and Social Security authority, the Social Welfare department, the Kyrenia, Alsancak and Çatalköy municipalities, the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry (KTSO), the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce (KTTO), and SOS Kinderdorf International, to provide young people with new skillsets and encourage them to enter the labour force.
In her statement, SOS Children’s Village National Director Refika İnce said:
“Unfortunately, young people in the north of the island have few amenities available to spend their free time in a high quality and productive way,” she said.
“Due to the high membership fees of some existing centres, some young people are not encouraged to take part. This centre aims to provide young people with opportunities to create their own discussion groups, as well as create and participate in activities that will help their development.
“Young people will form the shape of the activities and will have input in their implementation. Thus, by creating a space in which they feel they belong, they will be able to use the space effectively,” added Ms İnce.
The construction of the building, which is located next to the SOS Youth Home, is expected to finish by November 2016, and a launch event is planned for January 2017.
This project is funded by the European Union under the Innovation and Change in Education VI programme and implemented by SOS Children’s Village in partnership with North Cyprus Young Businessmen Association (GİAD).
Turksoy Opera days 2016 came to Bellapais Abbey
By Demetra George Mustafaoglu……..
Sunday night after a performance in Famagusta, the Turksoy Opera days moved to the Bellapais Abbey stage and opened the concert with two wonderful pieces by the home grown Presidential Orchestra under the masterful Baton of our own Maestro Ali Hoca. The event was dedicated to the recently deceased Cemaliye Kılıcı, a Turkish Cypriot mezzo who starred with the Ankara State Opera and was a true driving force in the opera world of this region.
Düşen Kaseinov, head of Turksoy, was invited to the stage by the excellent announcer of the evening, Hatice Kerimgil and welcomed all to the 19th year of The Turksoy Opera Days, spoke of the great artist that was lost and the bright future ahead for the group. Then Minister of Education and Culture Ozdemir Berova welcomed the audience to this yearly beloved event.
The first piece was the well-known “Adagio” by Albinoni orchestrated specially for this performance with strings and organ. This very romantic music has lasted through time and is so loved that it has even been made into a popular love song. Then “Symphony No: 1 in D Major Part 1” by Haydn which had the audience swaying. Hoca definitely loves what he does and is a master at it.
Next a powerful team of vocal artists including our own 20 year old Emre Özarabacı from Cyprus showered us in song. He is studying at the Ankara State Conservatory graduate level. His rendition of Arap Ali Elegie in Turkish was truly appreciated by the native speakers but he shone most brightly with his Italian Mozart Aria “Se vuol Ballare” and our community should support his efforts. He has a bright future ahead of him. Can’t wait to hear him sing the Diamond aria from Hoffmann when he’s matured.
We were treated to many artists who sang very well but there were definite favourites of this audience.
A seasoned pair of artists from Saha Yakut/Russian Federation kicked a goal with the Count and Lenora’s duet from IL Trovatore by Verdi. Passion, fire, love and cadenzas showed this pair off nicely and brought the first finely honed singing of the night.
Playfully the artist from Kazakistan, Ms. Kabanova charmed the audience with The Doll aria from Tales of Hoffman by Offenbach replite with breaking down and key winding, much to the thrill of the audience. It is a very difficult piece.
Tenor Huseyin Likos of Turkey broke hearts with a moving rendition of Puccini’s love/farewell aria from TOSCA entitled “E Lucevan le Stelle” stealing hearts from the audience. Another audience favourite was Azeri artist Azer Zeynalov whose lilting voice cried out Sene de Kalmaz and he too drew raves from the crowd.
Maestro Hoca presented his delicious composition Bandabuliya ve Lefkoşa Sirtosu with his lively young orchestra and wowed the spectators with the sounds, sights and smells of the old market place. Approval was met with a short encore and then the group closed with the well known drinking song from La Traviata by Verdi and even made us laugh by switching partners in fun.
The artists were supported by very proficient pianists: Irina Kurguzkina of Kazakistan and Yulia Bapova of Turkey.
I had the pleasure of representing KKTC in a last minute Turksoy concert and came to know and love this group and their goals. I am hoping that on their 20th anniversary next year we can also host them for American audiences to enjoy!
To hear what a wonderful occasion it was, please play the audio recording below.
Respectfully Demetra George Mustafaoglu, Grammy List Nominee in Classical Music and Cultural Diplomacy Award.
Reprieve for Kyrenia coastline
By Steven Roberts…….
I came across this interesting article on the Cyprus Weekly website which highlights the threat to the North Cyprus coastline by continued building of high rise buildings which are receiving increasing opposition.
Reprieve for Kyrenia coastline
Residents of Kyrenia battling plans that pave the way for high-rise buildings along the coastline have been handed a legal victory following a decision by the Turkish Cypriot supreme court.
The Turkish Cypriot court decided to block the move following an appeal by the residents who were spearheaded by former Cyprus problem negotiator and head 
of the Popular Party (HP) Kudret Ozersay.
The revised decree – which had been issued by the coalition in the north – allows for high-rise buildings along the Kyrenia coastline. Many communities from Vasilia (Karsiyaka) to Kalograia (Bahceli) stand to be affected by the decision which also allowed new student halls to be built and seven-storeys tourism structures.
Former Turkish Cypriot negotiator and head of the Popular Party (HP), Kudret Ozersay and his party had brought a complaint against the decree to the court. In view of the evidence, the court issued an injunction to stop it from being implemented. The case will be reviewed on Thursday,
A statement released by the HP party said that the decree was a violation of the constitution, planning law and tourism development law and pledged to fight against the decree until the end.
Meanwhile the Republican Turkish Party CTP had also put forward a complaint to the constitutional court with regards to the decree for Kyrenia saying that the decree was in violation of the constitution. According to the Turkish Cypriot media, the court will be convening this week to examine the complaints.
This article is from the Cyprus Weekly website on 27th September 2016 click here to view this and more articles.