“Slow” Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Yeniboğaziçi

Year of certification: 2013

Environmental Protection and Energy

Yeniboğaziçi’s environmental initiatives connect biodiversity, traditional seeds and education. Activities organised with Slow Food Salamis have addressed ecological farming, agricultural biodiversity and the conservation of local seed varieties. Seed exchanges formed part of the municipality’s documented Cittaslow Sunday programme.

At the Reşat Bergen Seed Garden, a Terra Madre activity held in December 2025 involved schoolchildren in planting heirloom seeds and bulbs. Practical activities introduced the relationship between cultivation, seed sharing and sustainable food production.

Urban Quality and Resilience

The Cittaslow Village Market provides a documented example of public space supporting community life and the local economy. Its wooden stalls were introduced in 2016 to give small producers a place to sell their goods and meet customers directly.

The Reşat Bergen Seed Garden also connects communal space with environmental learning. In 2026, Yeniboğaziçi’s “Making Peace with the Nature” project received the Cittaslow award in the Quality of Urban Life Policies category.

Slow Mobility

The Salamis Forest hiking trail offers opportunities to explore the area on foot. Together with the coastline and nearby heritage sites, it supports an approach to visiting that connects outdoor activity with the discovery of local landscapes.

The original certification assessment also addressed cycling connections, bicycle parking, alternatives to private cars and the removal of architectural barriers.

Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions

Agriculture and livestock farming contribute to Yeniboğaziçi’s rural economy, with artichoke cultivation particularly associated with the area. Local markets support the sale of regional food and handmade products.

Cooperation between women’s associations and Slow Food Salamis has helped transmit culinary knowledge. Documented activities included demonstrations of traditional handmade pasta and the preparation of molehiya, bringing experienced cooks and participants together around food.

These initiatives connect the preservation of recipes and skills with opportunities for local producers.

Social Cohesion and Health Services

Accessibility, family support and access to healthcare formed part of Yeniboğaziçi’s original certification assessment.

More recent community initiatives include the Children’s Municipality, established to involve children in urban development and decision-making. Folk dance, theatre and choir activities support cultural participation, while practical learning at the seed garden encourages children to contribute to environmental stewardship.

Slow Tourism and Hospitality

Yeniboğaziçi’s visitor experience brings together rural communities, traditional restaurants, coastal landscapes and archaeological heritage. Places of interest include Salamis Ancient City, St Barnabas Monastery, the Royal Tombs and historic water bridges.

Local food, handicrafts and cultural activities complement these attractions, connecting visits with the everyday life and traditions of the community.

List of Events

• International Yeniboğaziçi Pulya Festival: A local festival included in the municipality’s cultural programme.

• Mormenekşe Artichoke Festival: An event highlighting a characteristic agricultural product.

• Alaniçi Harvest Festival: A celebration associated with local agricultural traditions.

• Mormenekşe Culture, Art and Producer Festival: An event bringing together cultural activities and local production.

• March 9 Festivities: A traditional spring community gathering.

• Terra Madre Day: Activities celebrating food heritage, seeds and local production.

• Cittaslow Sunday: Documented celebrations have included producers’ markets, seed exchanges and book sharing.