The Lapta Culture and Solidarity Society held a gala for its second documentary on the roots of Lapta and its lost professions.

The two part documentary focuses on the old families of Lapta, their relationships and forgotten professions identified with the village.

The gala held on Sunday was attended by President Ersin Tatar, the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, the Minister of Labour and Social Security Hasan Taçoy, the Mayors of Lapta and Girne Mustafa Aktuğ and Nidai Güngördü as well as residents of Lapta.

Speaking at the event, President Ersin Tatar said that Lapta’s rich cultural history which dated back to Ottoman times had an important place for Turkish Cypriots.

He said that the area was also famous for its tourism.

Tatar said that the documentary will take its place in the TRNC National Archives, remaining as an important source for academics, historians and researchers.

The president also said that such documentaries backed the Turkish Cypriot side’s policy for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality.

“They keep on asking us what constitutes the foundation of a two-state solution. You, the martyrs, the struggle waged to this date, our culture, our economy, all these form the basis of our policy. That is why no one should underestimate our struggle,” he said.

Also speaking, the Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre said that such documentaries formed the backbone of Turkish Cypriot culture.

He added that it was everyone’s responsibility to work towards preserving the country’s culture and history.

Pointing out that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was preparing to celebrate its Republic Day in two weeks time, Töre expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation of the state.

The Mayor of Lapta Mustafa Aktuğ and the head of the Lapta Culture and Solidarity Society Sultan Dolmacı also delivered speeches which were followed by a mini concert by the society’s choir and the screening of the documentary.