The 26th edition of the Büyükkonuk Eco Day was held yesterday with a colourful celebration of Cypriot traditions, cuisine, crafts, and music, attracting visitors to the village square of Büyükkonuk.
Organized in collaboration between the Mehmetçik Büyükkonuk Municipality and the Büyükkonuk Eco Tourism Association, the event featured performances, local food stalls, and traditional handicrafts, offering a rich display of Turkish Cypriot cultural heritage.
The festival began with a dance performance by the Karpaz Girls, followed by speeches from organisers and community leaders. Speaking at the opening, Association President Luis Cemal highlighted the uniqueness of Turkish Cypriot culture and stressed the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Mayor of Mehmetçik Büyükkonuk Dr. Fatma Çimen Tuğlu emphasised that the Eco Day event is not just a tribute to the past, but also a guide for the future.
President Ersin Tatar, who also attended the event, praised the cultural, artistic, and gastronomic wealth on display, describing it as a reflection of national identity.
He noted that the İskele and Karpaz region is steadily developing and expressed his belief that it would become the “shining star of the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Tatar further remarked that the progress seen across the country was a shared achievement and commended the organisers for working tirelessly to showcase the nation’s cultural richness.
He also criticised the Greek Cypriot Administration, stating that their mindset had not changed and that they continued efforts to destabilize the status quo and impose dependency on the Turkish Cypriot people.
The day was enriched with various activities and a special costume show titled “Traces of a Future in Cyprus’ Nature” presented by Bülent Günkut, adding a colourful flair to the vibrant celebration.
President Tatar concluded his remarks by affirming that the Turkish Cypriot people will continue their lives on the island with a deep love for their homeland and flag.
