The Mayor of Mehmetçik-Büyükkonuk Fatma Çimen Tuğlu visited President Ersin Tatar and the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre on Wednesday, inviting them to the 61st Mehmetçik Grape Festival, which will begin on August 4th.
Speaking during the visit, President Ersin Tatar stated that Mehmetçik, formerly known as ‘Galatya,’ had been experiencing development in recent years with the investments made and stressed that Mehmetçik continued to be an increasing value for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with its culture, history, and art.
Highlighting the importance of festivals in preserving and passing on the Turkish Cypriot culture to future generations, Tatar expressed his happiness that the festival would not only showcase grapes and its by-products but also include various cultural and artistic activities, allowing the participation of many young people.
The Speaker of Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre also received the Mehmetçik-Büyükkonuk Mayor Fatma Çimen Tuğlu.
Noting that in the past, while the Greek Cypriots organized their festivals, the administrations of that period also initiated festivals in Turkish Cypriot villages to bring communities together, Töre explained that the Mehmetçik Festival began in this context, aiming to foster unity and cultural exchange among the Turkish Cypriot villages.
Stressing that these festivals could also be seen as a step in the national resistance, he said they contributed to the unity and solidarity among the Turkish Cypriots.
Expressing great joy in seeing the traditional festivals are still being carried on to the present day, Töre highlighted that they had always supported local production.
In her speech during the meetings, Mayor Fatma Çimen Tuğlu reminded that Mehmetçik was one of the oldest Turkish Cypriot villages and stressed their commitment to preserving its culture and passing it on to future generations through the organization of festivals.
Noting that the festival will take place between August 4th and August 13th, Tuğlu extended an invitation to both President Ersin Tatar and the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly, Zorlu Töre, to attend the festival.