Meeting to Foster Cooperation Between the Cittaslow Networks of Türkiye and Northern Cyprus (TRNC)

From September 17 to 20, 2026, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) hosted a program aimed at developing cooperation between the Cittaslow Türkiye Network and the Cittaslow TRNC Network. The event, which focused on the preservation of local values ​​and sustainable development, included field visits and an official meeting held on September 19, 2026, at the Bafra public beach facilities under the auspices of the Mehmetçik-Büyükkonuk Municipality.

Participants and Delegations

Cittaslow Türkiye Delegation:

Led by Büşra Özdemir, Vice President of Cittaslow International, Coordinator of Cittaslow Türkiye, and Acting Mayor of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality. The meeting was attended by mayors and representatives from 13 Turkish municipalities: Finike, Demre, Ortahisar, Çameli, Perşembe, Şarköy, Uzundere, Gerze, Köyceğiz, Kemaliye, Safranbolu, Vize, and the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality.

Cittaslow TRNC Delegation:

Led by Dr. Fatma Çimen Tuğlu, Mayor of Mehmetçik-Büyükkonuk and President of the Cittaslow TRNC Network. Also in attendance were the mayors of Gazimağusa (Famagusta), Lefke, Yeniboğaziçi, Tatlısu, and Geçitkale-Serdarlı. ## Key Activities and Themes

During the three-day field visits, delegates observed firsthand the best practices implemented by municipalities within the TRNC network—specifically in Yeniboğaziçi, Geçitkale-Serdarlı, Tatlısu, and Mehmetçik-Büyükkonuk. The main meeting facilitated an in-depth exchange regarding the implementation of Cittaslow criteria within municipal policies. Key topics of discussion included:

• Sustainable local development and tourism.

• Environmental protection and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

• Support for producers and the local economy, with a particular focus on safeguarding traditional products and gastronomy.

• Increasing local community engagement and developing youth-oriented policies.

Strategic Decisions and Next Steps

Participants agreed to make communication and cooperation between the two networks more systematic and sustainable, committing to increased reciprocal visits and joint events. The networks will collaborate on shared projects concerning sustainable tourism, climate and environmental practices, and municipal capacity building.

One of the most significant decisions to emerge from the meeting was the selection of the host city for the 2027 Cittaslow International Coordination Committee meeting. Following a vote, it was decided that the event would take place in the district of Ortahisar (Nevşehir) from March 19 to 21, 2027. This upcoming event will provide a major opportunity to further boost the international visibility of the collaboration between the networks, reinforcing their shared commitment to spreading the "slow" and sustainable philosophy across an ever-expanding territory.