President Ersin Tatar inaugurates 14. Ozanköy Carob Molasses Festival
“Carobs are a very important part of our country’s economy, culture and environment”
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President Ersin Tatar participated in the inauguration of the 14. Ozanköy Carob Molasses festival that was held in the village, where he drew importance to the attributes of the fruit in Turkish Cypriot culture and traditions and its potential economic and environmental significance.
Making an address at the opening ceremony after visiting different stands at the festival along with the Mayor of Girne Nidai Güngördü, the President said: “Carobs are an important fruit in our region, and it is therefore important to promote and keep our culture and traditions alive. Carobs, alongside olive trees are in abundance in the TRNC, and have immense economic potential and health benefits.”
The President thanked those who contributed to the organisation of the festival and all the participants.
President Tatar added: “When Ozanköy is mentioned, Turkishness, olives, carobs and history comes to mind. Turkish Cypriot poet, Ozan Osman Turkay, who is also from Ozanköy, also has an important role here and his poems in his books are important. His poems tell us where we came from in this country and the privileges of our country.”
Emphasising the importance of protecting local produce for the development of the country's economy, President Tatar stated that carob production should be increased for the purpose of exportation. President Tatar stated that the increase in carob trees will contribute to the economy, culture and environment.
President Ersin Tatar, who also watched a folk dancing performance, also visited the stands at the festival and met with producers and the public.