Turkish Cyprus becomes official member of Cittaslow

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has officially become a national member of the Cittaslow network with its three slow cities - Yeniboğaziçi, Mehmetçik and Lefka.

An official meeting overseen by Cittaslow President Stefano Pisani and the deputies along with Seferihisar Mayor Tunç Soyer was held in Turkish Cyprus on Sunday to declare the country's official membership. The delegate joined a tour around Lefka, Mehmetçik and Yeniboğaziçi accompanied by Terra Madre events celebrating the slow food movement.

Now, Turkish Cyprus's slow cities are recognized by 30 countries in the network.

Among the three slow cities, Yeniboğaziçi has fewer than 7,000 inhabitants and is one of the largest rural communities within the district. Its close proximity to the sea and ruins of times passed make this region a geographical jewel.

The country's next slow city is Lefka situated at the foothills of Troodos Range. There are several sites of historical interest in the area from the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and British periods.

The town became predominantly Turkish, after the Ottoman conquest and there are some interesting examples of traditional Ottoman architecture to be seen there. The town of Mehmetçik joined the network this summer.

Cittaslow is a worldwide network of more than 100 towns and cities that have adopted the same set of goals and principles to enhance their quality of life.