The 44th Güzelyurt Orange Festival, organized by the Güzelyurt Municipality was inaugurated with a ceremony on Monday.
The festival will continue until July 3rd.
The festival, which is being held under the slogan ‘We are together again’, opened with a ceremony at the Güzelyurt Festival Park Amphitheatre.
The ceremony started with dance performances, followed by opening speeches.
Delivering the first speech, Güzelyurt Mayor Mahmut Özçınar stated that they had chosen the orange, which is the brand of the city, to become the star of the festival, adding that the festival contributed to the promotion of the country and the region.
Speaking on behalf of the government at the event, the Minister of Labour and Social Security Hasan Taçoy stated that the Municipality of Güzelyurt is trying to continue the tradition of festivals.
Referring to the fires in the region Taçoy stated that the municipality is ready to take on an important responsibility and added that as the government they are doing all they can to overcome the problems in the country.
The Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre for his part stated that when Güzelyurt is mentioned the first thing that comes to mind are oranges and the orange festival and underlined that these will continue to exist on these lands forever.
He said neither the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) nor the Güzelyurt area will be abandoned.
President Ersin Tatar also said a few words at the opening ceremony by noting that it is everyone’s responsibility to replant the burnt forest areas in the light of scientific studies and to protect the riches of the country.
He also stated that he appreciated the care shown to the environment, greenery, culture and traditional values in Güzelyurt.
Underlining that efforts are being made to overcome the crises in the country in order to leave all troubles in the past, Tatar wished that the fertile lands in Güzelyurt would develop further with the water coming from Türkiye and that it would continue to be one of the most beautiful towns of the country.
Reminding that it is not possible to forget the suffering experienced in the past and that there are criticisms made on social media on this issue, Tatar emphasized that they will continue to embrace the TRNC despite all the difficulties and will continue their work in order to leave a better future for the youth and called on the public not to be tricked by these games.
After the speeches were completed the ribbon cutting ceremony took place marking the opening of the festival.
During the festival, stands with various traditional food and beverages will be on sale and handicraft products will also be available for purchase.