This week in North Cyprus > 3rd-10th October 2005
Ramadan around the world
Turkish cypriots this week joined Muslims all around the world in embarking on the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting and abstinence. Observing Ramadan is the fourth of the five ' pillars' of foundations, of Islam.
This year Ramadan began on Wednesday and will continue until November 2, culminating in the three day Ramadan Bayram holiday. This celebration, marking the first day of the month of Shawwal, is known in the Islamic world as Eid al-Fitr and by Turks and Turkish Cypriots also as 'Seker Bayrami' (sugar fesival) because hosts offer sweets to those who come to visit. During the Ramadan Bayram gifts are exchanged and friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities, fairs are held to celebrate the end of the fast.
It's looking positive
British High Commisioner Peter Millet yesterday hailed the start of Turkey's European Union accession talks as a very positive development for Cyprus as well as for Turkey and the EU - and pledged Britain's backing for efforts to achieve a settlement on the island. The envoy said Britain had been working towards the start of Turkish EU negotiations since the decision last December to accept Turkey as a candidate for membership.
' I think it provides a good framework for positive relationships, positive engagement between the EU and Turkey which will also be a great benefit for Cyprus, and to the North of Cyprus as well, Mr Millet said.
When asked about a new area of work and co-operation he said ' the primary role lay with the islands two communities and their leaders'. While both the UN and EU had roles to play, 'the emphasis must be on the two communities on the island finding something which they themselves can support. The solution is not going to come from outside.'
Britain he said, attached great importance to the commitment the EU had given to ease Turkish Cypriot isolation. We will be continuing to work in that direction and we will try to use our presidency to achieve that.
Piping it from Turkey
The long promised scheme to bring water to the TRNC from Turkey through undersea pipes was formally launched yesterday with the signing of an agreement between the Turkish Water Works Department and the Alsim Alarko Company. Water from Anamur's Dragon River will be fed to the TRNC through a 78km-long pipeline, suspended 250 metres below the surface of the sea.
The 1.6 metre diameter pipe will be able to transfer 75 million cubic metres of water annually- 15 cubic metres of it drinking water and the rest suitable only for cleaning and irrigation purposes.
Teachers unite across the divide
Turkish and Greek Cypriots teachers' trade unions marked Wednesday's World Teachers' Day with a joint declaration on behalf of their profession, stressing the importance of high quality training and reiterated committment towards a united Cyprus as a member of the European Union. The declarartion was made when the unions met at the buffer zone Ledra Palace Hotel, and follows previous similar commitments made in Ankara and Lefkosa. The declaration also stressed ' An untrained person cannot be presented to a group of children, or adults for that matter, as a teacher. There is no short cut to quality training.'
Peace Lessons
Turkish and Greek intellectuals of the Women's Initiative for Peace - set up by Turkish and Greek women after the Kardak crisis - have met to discuss ways and means of including ' peace education' in Cypriot school systems. The seminar was held at the Fulbright Centre near the buffer zone Ledra Palace Hotel.
ATA events unveiled at get together
The programme for the next three months was unveiled when more than 80 members of the Anglo Turkish Association (ATA) and friends gathered for an end of summer social evening. The group met over dinner at Açmenya Restaurant, Alsancak, last Friday, and a spokesman said ' Wine and drinks flowed freely which certainly helped the evening to go with a swing and encouraged many members to show off their prowess on the dance floor!'
First among the coming events will be an overnight trip to the Karpaz staying at the Balçi Plaza Hotel. Also in October there will be a visit to the school for handicapped children in Karakum to present a 'ball pool' purchased by the association to enhance the pupils' sensor perceptions.
The annual ATA art exhibition will take place in November and there will also be a visit to the police school. The annual dinner dance will be held on December 10. Details of all events will be posted on 'The Tree' noticeboard outside Girne post office or available from committee members.
Currency Exchange Rates
$ Dollar |
1.35YTL |
£ Sterling |
2.39YTL |
£ Cyprus Pounds |
2.75YTL |
€ Euros |
1.63YTL |
The weather this week in North Cyprus
It will continue to be warm and humid this week with temperatures reaching 27-30C inland and on the coast. Some cloud will set in tomorrow but it will begin clearing from Monday. Winds will be moderate northerly westerly, though occasionally strong in the second half of the week.
Minimum and Maximum temperatures last week in North Cyprus
Town/City |
Minimum temperature |
Maximum temperature |
Lefkosa |
15.4 |
31.2 |
Ercan |
14.7 |
31.2 |
Gazi Magusa |
17.0 |
30.1 |
Girne |
19.6 |
30.8 |
Güzelyurt |
12.6 |
31.5 |
Resources: Cyprus Today and Cyprus Times
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