“Slow” Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Geçitkale

Year of certification: 2018

Environmental Protection and Energy

Geçitkale’s certification programme brought together water quality monitoring, waste management, energy efficiency and biodiversity protection. The municipal drinking water treatment plant provided affordable drinking water, supported by laboratory checks. Cooperation with Famagusta Municipality established arrangements for the treatment of collected domestic wastewater.

Environmental education included can collection points at schools and municipal premises, practical composting activities in school gardens and permaculture initiatives at the Mersinlik Picnic Area. Energy-saving measures included LED lighting and efficient air conditioning, while solar panels supplied electricity for municipal water storage pumps.

Cooperation with the Association of North Cyprus Biologists supported the identification of local biodiversity. The certification dossier also outlined a proposed birdwatching centre around the Geçitkale reservoir.

Urban Quality and Resilience

The protection of local architectural identity formed an important part of Geçitkale’s Cittaslow programme. Cooperation with Eastern Mediterranean University’s Faculty of Architecture focused on traditional buildings, the character of village centres and the conservation of mudbrick architecture.

Public space improvements included accessible pavements and the planting of productive trees in communal areas. Pomegranate, fig and wild apricot trees were planted beside the municipal nursery, linking green spaces with food education.

The dossier also identified proposals to restore a historic municipal building for community activities and transform a former waste disposal area into an urban forest.

Slow Mobility

Geçitkale’s compact centre and the proximity of everyday services supported travel on foot and by bicycle. Four kilometres of accessible pavements were documented as part of improvements to pedestrian mobility.

The surrounding countryside offered mountain biking routes connecting Geçitkale, Çınarlı, Akova and neighbouring villages. Four routes listed in the certification dossier covered a total of 89 kilometres.

Further proposals included safer cycling connections, bicycle parking at public facilities and renewed bus stops. Municipal transport also supported schools, sports groups, community organisations and residents requiring assistance with travel.

Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions

Agriculture, olive growing and livestock farming are central themes in Geçitkale’s certification dossier. Local production included olive oil, table olives, dairy products and cereals, supported by processing facilities and agricultural services.

A cooperation agreement with the Zeka Bey Seed Centre in Mehmetçik supported the use of traditional, non-GMO seeds. School agricultural gardens introduced children to cultivation, seasonal produce and composting.

Women’s courses and volunteer Cultural Ambassadors helped transmit traditional skills, including Lefkara embroidery and sesta basket weaving. A women producers’ market, first held in December 2016, created opportunities to sell homemade food and strengthen women’s participation in the local economy. Products documented included halloumi pastries, handmade pasta, bread, pastelli and almond paste.

Social Cohesion and Health Services

Geçitkale’s social programme combined support for older residents, activities for children and families, accessibility and community participation. The Second Spring Life Club provided residents aged 65 and over with home health checks, transport assistance and help with everyday needs.

The municipal social activity centre, GEBSAM, brought together sports, dance and recreational activities for different age groups. Women’s associations, village organisations and volunteers contributed to cultural learning and community events.

Health education included seminars and awareness campaigns on diabetes and cancer. Home visits, village meetings and discussions with local representatives provided opportunities for residents to express their needs and contribute to municipal decisions.

Slow Tourism and Hospitality

The tourism approach described in the dossier connected rural landscapes, natural attractions, village life and traditional food. İncirli Cave in Çınarlı, the protected Cümbez “Wish Tree” and the Mersinlik Picnic Area were identified as local visitor attractions.

Municipal initiatives focused on welcoming visitors, improving information and connecting places of interest through walking and cycling. Proposals included a Cittaslow information office, visitor maps and the adaptation of the former Çınarlı primary school as a guesthouse, with attention to the village’s architectural character.

List of Events

• Traditional March 9 Festivities: Community celebrations at the Mersinlik Picnic Area, featuring traditional games, sporting activities, music and local food.

• Children’s Festival: Activities associated with International Children’s Day, combining games, performances and opportunities to discover local traditions.

• Çınarlı Festival: A village celebration bringing together local producers, handicrafts, regional dishes and artistic performances.

• Nergisli Festival: A community gathering showcasing homemade food and local products, also bringing together residents and people with family ties to the village.

• Sütlüce Street Games Festival: An event dedicated to passing traditional outdoor games on to younger generations, supported by volunteers and accompanied by local food.