Akınılar: "The village that is dying"

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 27 Jan 2016 4:56 pm

Brilliant film on Al Jazeera last night.

This Turkish Cypriot village, close to the border, apparently presented a strong resistance to EOKA during the 63 to 74 period, and took in a large number of TC refugees from Greek areas. As a result its population swelled to over thousands and it became thriving community with cinemas and restaurants etc. Since 74 the population has left , reduced to some 300 plus, and there is nothing for the youngsters, who want to see "the World beyond the sea" but feel they will suffer prejudice because of the TRNC's isolation. Seen from words of the villages themselves, including the very proactive (if slightly bossy!) mayor. Excellent English subtitles and commentary, and the briefest clearest account of the events of 63 to 74 I have heard. Some archive footage of the intervention of 1974.

Also an interesting record of life in a true Cypriot village,and raıses questıons about the effects of rebuilding and regeneration concentrated on the tourist and expatriate coastal areas, at the possible cost of culture and agriculture.

Should be shown on BBC (some hope!) and required viewing for new expatriates.

Has anyone visited this village? Has anyone else seem the film and knows how it can be accessed - I cant find it on utube.

Incidentally "Akınıilar" means "raiders" because there were so many!

fatouche · Post by **fatouche** » Wed 27 Jan 2016 5:27 pm

Tulips organise trips to Akıncılar, or Louroujina which is the Greek name for this village.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 27 Jan 2016 5:54 pm

Where can I find out when and where form, please, fatouce, and how much and how long do they take?

chiangbill · Post by **chiangbill** » Wed 27 Jan 2016 6:06 pm

You can watch this here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDRcBHchHLw

munchy · Post by **munchy** » Wed 27 Jan 2016 8:47 pm

What a beautiful and Touching little Film. The TRNC as I remember it. I do feel sorry for the younger Generation who are somewhat isolated there but it appears that the older Residents are quite happy to live there. I still like to visit these places which are now far and few between.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 27 Jan 2016 9:47 pm

Thank you chiangbill. Got it now. I missed bits because I found it accidentally and kept having to get up to feed the fire and let the dogs though I got so engrossed I nearly did it the other way round!

Glad you enjoyed it, Munchy. Very good photography as well.

Maisiemoo · Post by **Maisiemoo** » Wed 27 Jan 2016 9:58 pm

I really enjoyed the trip to Akincilar that I took with Tulips last year. It's a really interesting day out that included a very nice lunch, I hope to do it again this year if possible.

tulips · Post by **tulips** » Thu 28 Jan 2016 4:49 am

Can you tell me what time this was on please? I thought it was 10pm our time and ended up watching a programme on Iran!

Yes, we do offer trips to Akincilar of which are promoted on this very forum everytime additiaonlally we have been doing so for the last 3 years however these trips always stop in the winter and resume about March as the weather picks up.

We will be putting the upto date information a little nearer the time so please watch this forum and if any of you have a facebook page then please look at our facebook page: Tulips/Help Those With Cancer Association

Thank you and look forward to seeing this film on Youtube!

Dalartokat · Post by **Dalartokat** » Thu 28 Jan 2016 8:38 am

tulips wrote:Can you tell me what time this was on please? I thought it was 10pm our time and ended up watching a programme on Iran!

Yes, we do offer trips to Akincilar of which are promoted on this very forum everytime additiaonlally we have been doing so for the last 3 years however these trips always stop in the winter and resume about March as the weather picks up.

We will be putting the upto date information a little nearer the time so please watch this forum and if any of you have a facebook page then please look at our facebook page: Tulips/Help Those With Cancer Association

Thank you and look forward to seeing this film on Youtube!

The programme was on at 08:00 UK time yesterday. It is repeated on Sunday 31st January at 12:00 UK time.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/alj ... 12070.html

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 28 Jan 2016 10:03 am

We have been on the trip to Akincilar twice and enjoyed both trips very much. One of the reasons we were given for the loss of young people was the fact that access and egress were only possible via transit through a military facility involving identity checks and possible vehicle inspections and the hassle put people off. The Government still has NOT provided a road to overcome this problem. Another reason was agricultural salaries cannot match other employment and there is no other option for the young who now work and live in Lefkosa.

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Thu 28 Jan 2016 3:04 pm

Just sent the link to 10 of my friends around the world and asked them to send it on to others as well - if the TRNC won't give publicity for itself them I will try on their behalf!

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Thu 28 Jan 2016 4:51 pm

waddo, what a thunderingly good idea!

I'll do the same!

Now, all I've got to do, is to find 10 friends...

...erm....well...there's YOU, so that's one... & I've got 'Internet' down as 'Best Friend' with 'BT Friends and Family' - not sure if that counts tho'....

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 28 Jan 2016 5:06 pm

Tulips: I thought it was 10pm our time on Tueday! Are you sure you got the day right? I only found it by accident: I normally only watch BBC I player because I can chose my times, and pause it for dogs etc. However there is increasingly very little there I want to watch and I was just browsing through other channels when luckily this was just starting and I became enthralled! Anyway you can get it on utube - hope you enjoy it.

Will lookout for the trip: its a good idea to leave it for warmer weather.

Tom Steel: I think the influence of social media and the internet has a lot to do with young people becoming aware of a world outside the Island, let alone the village. And youngster everywhere have left the land for better jobs in town: There was a song in my youth "how you goin' to keep them down on the farm after they've seen Paree". Just such a shame, and a disgrace, that a young girl should feel that her origins would be misunderstood if she travelled abroad. And to my mind that the TRNC has not been able to develop its agriculture and export it, instead of relying on tourism,

I think the older villages were just sad that the people who they have given homes and shelter had left the villlage "without a second glance".

waddo : Good idea I am sure a sensitive film like this will do more to promote the TRNC and explain ist history far better than all the fancy adverts and than propaganda would. I too will be sending links to friends in the UK and abroad.

Does anyone know anything about the maker and if he has made other films in English.mmm I suppose I can "google " thatoo.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 28 Jan 2016 5:11 pm

Keithcaley wrote:waddo, what a thunderingly good idea!

I'll do the same!

Now, all I've got to do, is to find 10 friends...

...erm....well...there's YOU, so that's one... & I've got 'Internet' down as 'Best Friend' with 'BT Friends and Family' - not sure if that counts tho'....

Keith: Pity you dont have the BBC or ITV among your "best friends and family"

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Thu 28 Jan 2016 5:51 pm

Keith, errrm, I've seen it mate!!! But you can send it to me again just to get the numbers up - lol.

crofter · Post by **crofter** » Fri 29 Jan 2016 9:34 am

This excellent documentary is 42 minutes long and it really is worth watching. The villagers of Akincilar are happy with their lot and as one of them said if the rest of the world will not recognise us we shall stay as we are as their whole life has been there and they are going nowhere.

However for the young student it is understandable that the young do require more opportunities and integration with other cultures.

A most enjoyable piece of work.

JoandJelly · Post by **JoandJelly** » Fri 29 Jan 2016 4:29 pm

Watched it this morning via YouTube, very interesting.

ToastLady · Post by **ToastLady** » Fri 29 Jan 2016 4:38 pm

Thank you, really enjoyed watching the video.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Fri 29 Jan 2016 9:13 pm

I am glad it was enjoyed, and pleased to see expats showing an interest in the history and traditions of our adopted country.

Owl Lady · Post by **Owl Lady** » Fri 29 Jan 2016 11:10 pm

Ragged Robin, I have also done this trip twice and enjoyed it both times. I was fascinated by the items in the old village shop. Especially the ledger with some items written in English ie 1 gallon of petrol!!!
Well worth a visit, suggest May or Oct when it is not too hot. Good flat shoes and water. A small amount of walking, but not too much.

The Black Olive Cafe · Post by **The Black Olive Cafe** » Sat 30 Jan 2016 1:36 pm

My Husband Unal and his sisters were all born there, its a great places to go and visit and we often go for a BBQ.

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Sat 30 Jan 2016 4:42 pm

I thought this village was only open to visitors once a year?? If I am wrong - and I hope so - how do you get there (by car) please?

Maisiemoo · Post by **Maisiemoo** » Sat 30 Jan 2016 5:32 pm

Waddo I'd advise that you go on the Tulips trip as transportation from Catalkoy and formalities to enter the village are taken care of.

woodspeckie · Post by **woodspeckie** » Sat 30 Jan 2016 6:05 pm

Do you need permission to enter the village? I am here till the 2nd March and the trips are expected to start again in March so I would like to visit by car is this possible?

fatouche · Post by **fatouche** » Sat 30 Jan 2016 6:12 pm

If you don't have a Kimlik, you do need permission.

woodspeckie · Post by **woodspeckie** » Sat 30 Jan 2016 11:13 pm

Where would I get permission?

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 12:51 am

As the film mentions that Sultan Barbaros is the mayor of the village, perhaps she would be the person to contact - if anyone knows how...?

munchy · Post by **munchy** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 1:26 am

With so much positive reaction , especially from the older Community, to this refreshing Documentary, it shows what some of us are hankering for, namely, peace and quiet, open spaces to breathe fresh air and admire Nature and the Traditional hospitable way of Cypriot Life. What a shame we have to go to the far reaches to sample this delight

sophie · Post by **sophie** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 8:41 am

I fear you are probably correct Munchy. I know you can't stop "progress" but the country we moved to just doesn't really exist anymore and as well as health issues I can't help feeling that is why so many are leaving. The bubble has burst and the dream ended sadly. When we first moved to Alsancak and Karaoglanoglu area, the pavements were broken and uneven and the shops ramshackled but the people were lovely and it could take an age to be served and I didn't mind there was so little European food (I freely admit, the first tin of Heinz beans was scrumptious though).

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 10:24 am

tO jOFRA (AND OTHERS INTERESTED)

When i first went sultan was the Muhtar of the village, and her brother was the actual mayor.
However, if you want real answers, why not contact Sultan via her Facebook page. I have suggested to her that she joins the Forum and maybe answer questions here.

The going to Luruicina/Acincilar is a wonderful thing, but with many obstacles in the way. Even getting permission can mean when you get to the Army gate they don't have a record of you.

Of course, if you have a friend with a Kimlik Card and a car, they can take you. They merely hand over their kimlik card to the soldier on duty at the gate and off they go. They are then responsible for you. But even with a TRNC registered car, if you don't have a kIMLIK THEN YOU NEED PERMISSION.

There are several facebook pages to do with lurucina, but I would recommend you try Sultan. I have warned her that she might get a few requests!!!!!!

munchy · Post by **munchy** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 10:50 am

Sophie, You reminded me of the culinary delights which were available in the "good old days". Our daily fare was ; Vonk cheese slices, poo covered local eggs, knobly tomatoes and small dust covered tins of tuna. It was quite a revelation when I introduced the humble SANDWICH to my local friends.

Cally · Post by **Cally** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 1:55 pm

Thoroughly enjoyed this enchanting film, so like when I was stationed there in 1971-73. Would love to visit when next over Owl Lady.

lavender · Post by **lavender** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 7:31 pm

Why is it so difficult to visit? Sounds like the villagers could do with as much trade as possible - so why not encourage tourist rather than make it so difficult?

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 8:02 pm

lavender, as I explained earlier, the difficulty is due to the fact you can only get to the village via a military base road and the TRNC Government will not provide an alternate route to overcome this obstacle. For kimlik holders, this is just an inconvenience, but for others you have to have pre-arranged permission, surrender your passport on entry and stick to the road.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 8:09 pm

Thanks Tom. I tried to explain above, and one really needs to talk to Sultan. Getting permission is difficult and the message does not always get through to the gate at the Army Base. Been there, done that, had the headache and............................ So I would not want to give any advice because it can go wrong. Either book to go with Raziye or talk to Sultan. Best way.

(on one occasion I was going as a reporter, and that nearly killed the Golden Goose of entry! ) To me it is very sad that these people are virtual prisoners as far as the 'real' world is concerned. The word 'enclave' comes quickly to mind.

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 8:09 pm

If I - and Google maps - have got it right, Akincilar appears to be in a very odd little pocket against the green line, so I can understand problems with military roads and the like....

woodspeckie · Post by **woodspeckie** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 8:48 pm

I read an article on the village when I Googled it there was a meeting last
February about a new road to bypass the milatary road they were promised it would be ready this year but it hasn't been started yet. One of the residents said he feels like a prisoner because he has to show his identity every time he goes out.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 8:56 pm

Plans for the road keep changing. The last idea has been cancelled because of the extensions to the airport!!!!
There is a rough road which circumnavigates the army camp and that could be tarmacked, but for some reason no one wants to do that. I have even heard a publication declaration at Akincilar by a member of the Government who said the road owuld be started 'any day' and that was about 3 years ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And if you look at the map, as has been suggested, you will see the strange setting. It is a long tear drop at the back of the airport,l and has RoC land on both sides. It seems strange that it is still TRNC, but it is.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 9:10 pm

I agree with Sophie I liked things much more the way they were , and with respect to those present, the Brits also had a different attitude and were more supportive of their adopted country and each other: Something like the "Bliz spirit" prevailed though I am just a little too young to remember that!

Food seems to be most people's weak spot for nostalgia - for me it was the first Pikelets for years (Crumpets for southerners). Anyone remember "The Corner House" in Girne which apart from the old Tescos was the only place you could get any kind of British Food.

It seems ironic that 1974 and the events that preceded and followed it resulted in a way of life and natural environment being preserved for as long as it was,, and really sad that the one of the few places that still preserve it is dying for lack of a road when so much is being covered in unsightly and unnecessary concrete and tarmac.

effonine · Post by **effonine** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 9:15 pm

We went with Tulips last year and really enjoyed our trip, well done to everyone who made it possible.
Few pics of our visit here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/itchenbir ... 0438558296
Colin

Dalartokat · Post by **Dalartokat** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 9:43 pm

Brilliant photos, thanks for sharing.

munchy · Post by **munchy** » Sun 31 Jan 2016 11:47 pm

Ragged Robin The Corner House Girne, was that the one by the Council Office facing what used to be the only roundabout going up to Lefkosia road. It had an upper and lower floor?. The other main store as I remember was Barbaroslar.

Maisiemoo · Post by **Maisiemoo** » Mon 01 Feb 2016 12:12 am

Thanks for the photos Effonine, we were on the same trip!

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Mon 01 Feb 2016 4:15 pm

No Munchy the Corner Shop I remember was in the old Turkish Quarter, tucked away in a small shop - really a corner house. It was quite close to Effendis and there was also nearby by the mosque a Chinese restaurant ("Selle" I think) inside which there was the Melting Pot Bar run by Alan Cavender (who gloried in the name of "the worst barman in Northern Cyprus) and the main watering hole for expats.

I do remember Barbaroslar, but if memory serves me (and it doesnt always these days) it was at the West end of the High Street - better stop before I start wandering down memory lane again!

Silly really but I get more homesick for life as it used to be here, than I do for dear old Blighty!!!!!

munchy · Post by **munchy** » Mon 01 Feb 2016 7:53 pm

Ragged Robin, Yes, I remember it now. It owed its survival to the patrons of that "Institution" the Melting Pot. Barbaroslar was, and still is, at the junction past the Dorana. The big store I referred to was called someting like; TAN or TAK ( not sure ). I do recall, however, that a fully laden Lorry carriered into it , following a brake failure going up the Lefkosia Rd, causing fatalities.
I think ANDY, whom we lived opposite to in Ozankoy, took over Efendis and turned it into a highly regarded Restaurant. I am the same as you Ragged Robin, cant shake off the fond memories of the past !!

Fesenjan123 · Post by **Fesenjan123** » Mon 01 Feb 2016 8:34 pm

We went to the annual festival there in 2014. It was no real hassle going there, we just left our passports with the military at the gate and collected them on the way back. The villagers were so warm and welcoming and the whole place was thronging with visitors.
It was a wonderful day and they were so proud to show off their village.

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Mon 01 Feb 2016 11:21 pm

Barbaroslar? Is this the same one that is on the corner of Ziya Riski Cd and Sedat Semavi Cd in Girne? This is the one that became our regular food shop on our first visits to Cyprus, when we stayed at a friend's apartment, and we still go there even though we're now stay in Karsiyaka - very friendly and welcoming folk!

munchy · Post by **munchy** » Mon 01 Feb 2016 11:30 pm

Yes jofra, that's the one. Was run by a really nice guy as I remember and glad to hear it is still Trading successfully

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