North Cyprus

Within my last visit to the Dog show competition organized in Girne, I have met a very nice lady and her husband - they were raising awareness on the environment issues on one of the stands by distributing the booklets and showing the items they themselves use that are non plastic. The stand was called No Straws North Cyprus.

The booklet gives some tips to people who would like to be more environmentally conscious. And first advice was to tell to waiters in bars and restaurants that you don't want to use plastic straw. Seemingly a small sacrifice, but in case if majority of people would actually follow it that would decrease the usage of plastic, maybe relatively small amount of it, but nonetheless. Small steps or yavaş yavaş as they say here. Second advice - keep reusable bags in your car so you don't need to use plastic bags. That advice goes along the recent environmental law in TRNC which forces all supermarkets to sell plastic bag instead of giving one for free - the price however is so small - 25 kuruş - that it seems people just started spending 25 kuruş more and not being bothered much by it. Maybe if plastic bag would cost 10 TL... The real hesitation could be created. The third advice was about using material bags for fruits and vegs - some people here indeed started doing it. Some other just continued using plastic bags.

Forth advice is to stop using plastic bottles of shower gels and shampoos - instead suggested item is natural soaps. I can add to that you can create a soap, shampoo or even deodorant by yourself at home - in the days of step by step YouTube videos - it's super easy! And ingredients are available in Lemar or Reis market close by.

• 20 minutes of your drink with plastic straw means 200 years on our planet

• Over 1 billion plastic straws are used in the world everyday

Booklet also contains not very fun facts:

• 1 million and 100 000 marine animals die from ingestijg plastic

Well, recently released UN report supported that statistics.

The lady asked me personally to spread information and proposed to stay connected through social media - I gladly accepted it.

Additionally booklet gives info about the local beach cleaning team under the coordination of Mrs. Sayunshalina. In case if you want to do something- you can contact her via +90 533 853 6188 and join the cleaning one day.

According to Kleynman, main methods of Geschtalt include method called "an empty chair" I.e. talking to an empty chair as someone who you have issues with currently present- the idea seems to be rational, the process is free from the social interactive complications, unwanted responses blocking the flow of the mind and emotions. Similar approach used in beating the couch for the purpose of getting rid of non-constructive anger. However, doubts arise when it comes to the method of making dreams come true, I.e. simulating the actions of recently seen dream in reality. The methods uses the same rationale expressed by Z. Freud - our dreams are our real desires dismissed/suppressed during the day time, however in Geschtalt it's more generalised and ùsed for the personality description. Especially interesting and convincing method of raising mindfulness of oneself by making self observations on the current mood state, by first becoming physically aware and then becoming emotionally mindful. It sounds familiar 😊

As most of the books about World War 2, it is sad and tragic. It is a story about the combat of the military group (battalion) who has an impossible task to complete - to fight the enemy who has better resources and location.  The orders given from the ‘above’ is absolutely absurd and suicidal. And the combat has to choose either to follow it and kill meaninglessly his people or to refuse the order and get fired.

The main emphasis is that there is a value of the human life which degrades during the war time. And moral principles which does not allow this to happen. 

The book gives many details of the situation, which helps to better understand the character and be absorbed in that horrific story. 

But, some things just NEED to be remembered. It also needs to be remembered that the casualties were from the both sides.  

The challenge was organised by this amazing website called mybook. I really like the idea, and as currently I am free — I decided to participate in it.

The first list of books arrived on 1st may — I chose book called ‘A Year in Provence’ by Peter Mayle. I managed to finish it within 3 days — it is written in interesting manner, the story does not get boring and the language used is quite humorous and light. It was fun to read it.

Probably the most interesting parts were the descriptions of the culture and habits of the local french people. And of course, the food. Indeed, it seems in France there is no joke when it comes to food. The descriptions of the lunch/dinners are so juicy that you instantly feel hungry — and this is considering that I am a vegetarian — and description includes mostly meat. Besides, I also saw some cultural similarities with Cypriot culture as well — particularly, this flexibility of the notion of the time.

Obviously, the author is in love with the culture and the place he stayed. And that love and warmth could be felt from the pages of book.

Training was implemented by Refugee Rights Assosiation (North Cyprus) and KISA (an NGO on the South).

That's was a great opportunity to learn about refugees issue and how is it being handled here in North Cyprus.

Presentation speach was delivered by ombudsmen Emine - she emphasized that some immigrants especially those who enter county without documents on their hands are seen as criminals, which is wrong. The ombudsmen also noted that problem is not unique for North Cyprus as it also touches Europe and that there is also vulnerable groups such as woman and children who need protection. "For example, only on Germany there is 9 000 missing refugee children - there is no investigation on where are they. There is an urgent need to raise an awareness and provide legal framework for solution of such problems. There should be more projects like the one we attend today and they should extend their scope."

Conference continued with invited guest-speaker from Refugee Rights Centre Turkey Veysel Eshiz ; he has noted main conventions such as 1951 Geneva Convention and Protocol of 1967 and discussed on the definition of the refugee as well as who are not considered to be a refugee as they don't fall into any prescribed groups. He also talked on concept of non-refoulement- in other words no sending back the refugee no matter what conditions are.

Next speaker Nicoletta Charalambidou has shared an experience of South Cyprus which started from zero. Till 1998 there was no legal framework on the South for refugee laws I.e. there were refugees coming on boats but they were not acknowledged as refugees. Established on the South UNHCR has examined first applications, later on Cypriot government has cooperated in issues of non - roufoulement and providing reception condition.

In 2000, first refugee law entered into force. After 4 years major institutional reform was taken - betterment of procedures of examination, provided training to employees. And of course, the EU directives were transpose from 2009 till 2013. Recently, in 2016 there were new amendments added. Basically we can see how process has developed over years.

There is an exiting 2 level assessment:

Asylum service and administrative court and then case goes to supreme court.

Mrs. Nicoletta also noted that on her practice there were cases of 99.5% rejected refugee application forms due to absence of proper assessment, failed interviews, not properly educated on refugee issue staff. She also noted that some of the EU directives might have been transposed wrongfully and that there is no clear protection against refoulment.

Next speaker - Fezile Osum - from SOS Children's village has told us about project "Strengthening Asylum in Cyprus" - first shocking truth was that there is no legal ground, no refugee definition, thus, no refugee registration on the borders in TRNC. There is not even 1 refugee registered by government. And the southern part has got 59 099 application from refugees and provided it only to 8 968 and around 1200 got the special refugee protection status. "The project is implemented by SOS and UNSI - We mainly work on international part such as provision of legal services, legal assistance in cases of officials deciding to send refugee back (which often the case) and social support ( language courses, social activities etc.). Currently, withon our project we have 70 registered refugees 47 males, 23 females - 25 of them are children. Unfortunately, a person who flew here to TRNC from a war zone in search to shelter is seen as a criminal and law prescribed that decision upon permission to let person in or not is given to immigration officer. Considering that there is no definition of refugee and immigration officer can not refer to refugee status of arrived ( simply because there is no such thing) - there is high chance that person will be simply sent back or held in waiting room with poor conditions ( no Windows or ventilation) for a few days without no/little food provision. Arrived refugees are being punished - number of punishments has increased with number of arrivals in 2017. Those people are arrested and kept in custody or waiting rooms, they are classified as criminals. And because there is need in correspondence among TRNC and Turkey on the refugee details person can be kept in such conditions for 20 to 25 days.

Speaker generally expressed lack of involment of government and help from it when it comes to issues of refugee or asylum seekers.

It’s hard to understand religion. Religion is not something what’s publicly discussed, it is something intimate. And many people, including myself, simply do not know from where to start. Especially in time of internet with so many different resources - some of them might be misleading, but the same time it offers the direct connection with practitioners. Let me elaborate a bit further on it : it’s been long since I was interested in Buddhism and luckily here, in North Cyprus I have found a Buddhist Meditation Centre. Through meeting of the founder of the Centre I got introduced to another Buddhist - Mr.S via email. Mr. S was kind to provide many reading sources on Buddhism and invited me to join an online lectures and group meditations on Skype which happen once or twice per month. One of the lectures was on the Four Noble Truths – looking at the First Noble Truth, the Truth of Suffering.

The lecturer has explained the importance of being aware of it:

“As we know Buddha attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree at Bodhgaya and firstly he didn’t want to teach as what he has found was too deep to explain to anyone because people usually are too involved with events happen in in their own life and simply won’t listen. However, according to the scriptures, the King of the Gods, Brahma Sahampati talked to him and asked to go and teach. That was the moment when Buddha saw the world as a lake full of the lotus flowers as some were underneath the water and others were ready to blossom. So he realized that there were people in the world who were ready for his teachings. Thus, he decided to teach Dharma. So he found the five ascetics he taught before and he taught them how to gain Enlightenment by means of the Four Noble Truths; the Noble Truth of suffering, the Noble Truth of the origin of suffering, the Noble Truth of the cessation of suffering and the Noble Truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering. That’s why the Four Noble Truths are considered to be one of the most important teachings of Buddhism.”

The lecture was continued by further discussion on topic of suffering:

“The First Noble Truth, the Truth of Suffering. This truth might seem very pessimistic. For me it is the motivation of my practice. Because by using you able to face the challenges and troubles of the life. As we need to work all the time, get money , maintain the family. It’s also important to look at these theme as it allows us to overcome suffering. If we are honest about our own suffering, we can connect with other people in more sincere way. If we feel a bit depressed however, it’s suggested to practice something that focuses on the positive like Metta Bhavana, or the Development of Loving Kindness, meditation which includes contact with others. Suffering is the translation of the Pali word “Dukkha” which can also be translated as unsatisfactoriness. Interesting that it is etymologically connected with the word for wheel, meaning cart with a wheel which is not fixed properly - the term is still used in India. The image of the cart with unfixed wheel is a strong image representing the uncomfortable living. Unmindfulness. Unmindful living. Like pigeons as they step they move their head - unnecessary movement. As it looks for me- some kind of discomfort in their life - absence of mindfulness. That’s what comes to my mind as I say "dukkha”

As Buddha starts searching the truth he gives up his family, his social status, wealth and country. And he talks of 7 different types of suffering : for example, birth - it’s difficult for mother and surely difficult for a child as he changes the environment of warm protected world into hold and hostile one; child needs to cry, in order to make first breath - that must be terrible sense of helplessness.

Another suffering examples are illness, aging, death, union with something what is not loved, separation with what is loved, absence of what we want.

It’s important to be aware of our suffering. And that will help us to concentrate on what’s really important, on something what will bring the meaning to our life.

Me: What type were those elections? So much buzz in Facebook and banners all over the island.

Local: it were general elections for parliament seats among parties. They usually take place every 5 years, last time it was in 2013 and this year in December 2017 - A bit earlier than usual.

M: Why so early?

L: Because government didnt have a majority and they were supported by independent members of parliament, thats how they managed govern so far. However, opposition asked for earlier elections - it was a quick decision, and now we had elections.

M: Which party do you support?

L: Social democrats TDP.

M: And which party "won" or got most?

L: It was UBP, but I don't think they won as they didn't get majority

M: So whats your party standing for?

L: As social democrats we stand against corruption and good governance, of couse. So far we didnt have one (good governance) in this country.

M:But is your party really stand for it? You know how politicians like to talk sweet and promise freedom and income for everyone.

L: Yes, but we have an examples, as you know the mayor of Lefkosha Turkish Municipality mr. Mehmet Harmanci comes from our political party and so far he managed to pay the debts ( not fully, process is still ongoing). There is no problem with wage provision among the workers and people of Nicosia get the service they need, he invests in roads, tourism. And whats important he didnt fire any municipality members I.e. he keeps people on their job.

M: So why UBP won the most seats? What's the difference between them and your party? 

There is a huge difference - they get the money from the government state and they give small ammount of it to its supporters and keep the bigger ammount in their pockets. People know about it and still support it. As in the end they able to get a bit of money and maybe a permission to build something that they didnt have before or get another favor from government, so they vote in order to get something back. Thats the biggest difference. Our party doesnt give such promises and wants transparency within politics. Btw, the leader of our party was the first politician who announced his income, debt, bank account etc. 

M: What about other parties?

There is 6 parties represented in parliament. YDP for example calls themselves a supporters of people who moved from Turkey and currently live here in North Cyprus but they are quite racists. They lived here for a while so for me they are local, its a diversity issue. They say they support their rights, but all they do is discriminate. One of the members of that party has heavily insulted a member of parliament in Facebook and got fine from court. Im sure its in their ideology to connect North Cyprus with Turkey. UBP is a litle bit different - they call themselves nationalists but not as extreme as YDP. UBP was at rule of country more than other parties and as you can see country is not going anywhere. CTP call themselves leftist and pro-solutionist, but CTP is scared of Turkey. So if Turkey provides an initiative which CTP doesnt like - they cant refuse it, so they just run away from government. DP is right wing, the leader of DP is son of Rauf Denktaş, the founder of TRNC which died in private hospital. If you proclame to be a social welfare country as stated in TRNC constitution , if leader dies in private hospital then above mentioned claim doesn't look like true. And TDP is social democrats, pro-solutionist, so far we showed our good governance. Also we won presidential elections. Current President Akinci was from our party although he was an independent candidate, his base comes from our party. So far we didnt hear about him being corrupt. I think our party didnt get majority votes this time because as you know attendance for this election was 60% +, so a lot of people didnt participate. Plus, we couldnt describe and convince people and make them believe in our ideals. I dont blame people who didnt vote - its their democratic right. 

M: What about presidential elections?

L: Well they are every 5 years. Akinci won in 2015 so next ones in 2020. And we also have municipality elections every 4 years. They choose each head of municipality all of them the same time 24 in total.

M: Alright. Thanks a lot for shared info- at least now I know who stands for what. 😊

L: No problem 😊

Well, firstly that's a silly idea. Really. Because as your mother (father, responsible and smart friends etc.) told you - it's huge responsibility. And they right. It's walking in any weather, it's fur and dirt everywhere, extra mouth to feed. I had to go through it myself to understand that I can have a dog if I'm rich and stay in my own mansion doing nothing. Oh, having dog also means no walks in Girne anytime you want or partying with friends everyday. Basically, you have to give up good part of your student life which you actually should be enjoying. In the end when you will be exousted and won't be able to do it anymore - the road will lead to abandoning the creature which surely does not deserve that.😔

But... there is a solution. The dogs kenell called home 4 pets in north cyprus proposes dog walks. They open anytime of the year, but prefer if you come in the morning- you can choose the dog you want - walk and play with him/her for however long you want! Isn't it great? The same time you doing good job by helping the kenell itself.

If you interested - write me or directly to H4P North Cyprus in Facebook 👍

A beautiful square like 2floors house with small garden was built in 19th century and belonged to Dervish Pasha the editor of newspaper "Zaman", which was very popular in Turkey and was first time published IN North Cyprus in 1891.

For a long time mansion was in bad condition and not repaired; however, in 1978 part of it was nationalized, later restored by Department of Antiquities (in 1988 with financial help of Turkey) and turned into Ethnographic Museum.

Entrance for students 5 TL; for tourists 7 TL.

Museum contains a lot of historically and culturally interesting and original items like swords, national costumes and items of household.

Very nice place - accommodating menu and fair prices. According to my friend Meat Lover durum was amazing😊 so far the greatest service in North Cyprus 🙄

North Cyprus is not famous by it's green initiaves but they try - for example Lefkosha has joined few international green cities movements like ICLEI and Lefke officially became Slow City by joining Cittaslow.

Thus, it was nice to see 3 baskets/cages for collection of plastic bottles and metal cans for recycling purposes. They locate right in front of the Municipality of Lefkosha. So if you have many cola and Pepsi bottles/cans left after new year holidays you can put them there.

P.s. change starts within ourselves 😊

For all of us learning something new is exiting -maybe that's why people love traveling so much - you get to see new places, new people, learn new about different culture. There is something fascinating about it - being a discoverer of the new land.

However, maybe there is no need to travel - especially if you happen to be in North Cyprus 😊

So the trail we took this time was through the village Karaman aka Karmi. It's a beautiful village with a lot of small narrow streets, very clean and very cosy. Looks like that Karmi is project of touristic development - mind blowing views, cleniness and even the houses are well decorated.

So our second trail started from a little church towards the West into the forest of pine and cypresses. Thanks to map and painted signs on trees and stones it was relatively easy to follow the trekking road. Even thought it was difficult to climb and road was sometimes very narrow and steep - amazing view on the saint hillarion, alsancak and karmi was really worth it. Oh and apparently there is an natural spring ( unfortunately it was dry when we were passing it) and a stony canyon (which we had to cover as it was on our way).

So this is another time when I understood that North Cyprus is not small, you actually can get lost in here (even though it sounds crazy) and it has it's little treasures. It is just they are all hidden and require a bit of effort to be found and seen.

Exhibition of works of Japanese art master Masahiro Usami "Manda-la in Cyprus" is now open in home for cooperation in buffer zone from 4th till 10th January 2018.

According to booklet we got on entrance- Usami managed to bring traditionally Buddhist theme into new socio-political, religious and cultural context I.e. in Cyprus case is uniting island and living in peace.

Many photographs had cats on it with background of the prohibitive signs as representation that nowadays only cats are allowed to cross the borders.

Some photos also contained religious and traditional symbols of both communities (icons, pickled olives, hellim cheese etc).

I was lucky to meet a lady and her mother who had participated in that project. Their family used to live in south - her mother and farher got married and build a house. However after war in 1974 they had to move to the north (they are turkish cypriots). In order to make the photo for the project they went back to the house they build on the South which was psychologically hard because they had to ask for permission to enter the house currently owned by other people. The lady also shared that the same but other way round happened to Greek Cypriot man who within framework of project visited his house on the north which he left long time ago.

Another historical place on our Alevkaya trekking trail - Ruined chapel (Viran Kilise)