About Us

“Youth in Action: Developing Dialogue Through Culture Project”

This project was funded by the European Union under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implemented by Folk Arts Foundation (HASDER), and Klirou Culture and Sports Association (PAOK). 

The Project’s main goal was to promote stronger participation of youth in reconciliation and peace processes for reunification of Cyprus, as well as raise awareness of the shared cultural heritage of the two communities. More than 500 participants have participated in the events held so far, 100-120 young people participated in each workshop series.

 

Youth Hope Network

As part of the project, the Youth Hope Network was established, bringing together 12 civil society organizations across Cyprus to sustain the impact of cultural initiatives.

The network members include: HASDER, PAOK Klirou, ORAMA Cultural Association, Güzelyurt Art Association, Sevgi Çiçeği Association, Akçay Culture and Art Association, KASTRO Dance Group, Yenierenköy Culture and Art Association, PARAVASI Theatre and Culture Association, Mehmetçik Culture and Solidarity Association, Proodos Kaymaklı Education and Sports Association, and Lefke Tourism Association.

 

Cyprus Cuisine Workshops

A series of workshops were organized to explore and experience Cyprus’s traditional cuisine. The workshops began with visits to villages in the Karpaz region, where participants observed the olive pressing and olive oil production process at a local factory. They then visited a carob factory to learn about the products derived from carob and their production methods.

Young participants from both communities continued the activities with a hands-on experience in traditional baking. They actively took part in every stage of the process, from kneading and shaping the dough to baking bread in a traditional outdoor wood-fired oven.

These workshops not only introduced participants to traditional Cypriot culinary techniques but also provided them with a unique and immersive experience.

 

Cultural Heritage Workshops

The workshops, led by Guide Hasan Karlıtaş, included five days of theoretical and practical training on Cyprus’s shared cultural heritage. Participants explored the island’s historical and cultural values while discussing the impact of technology on culture.

As part of the programme, a Nicosia cultural tour was organized, where young participants visited significant sites representing the heritage of both communities, such as Kyrenia Gate, Samanbahçe Houses, and Büyük Han. The tour continued across Ledra Street, leading to Faneromeni Square, the Cyprus Bank Museum, and the Leventis Museum, before concluding at Eleftheria Square.

Through these workshops, participants gained a deeper understanding of Cyprus’s cultural richness, fostering appreciation and dialogue between communities.

 Peacebuilding and Leadership Workshops

These workshops equipped young participants with cooperation, dialogue, and leadership skills, fostering mutual understanding and respect between communities. Through interactive games and activities, participants developed strategic thinking, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

The “Pasta Wars” game helped improve negotiation and collaboration, while the “Human Knot” activity demonstrated how dialogue can resolve complex challenges. Additionally, the Human Rights Workshop raised awareness about fundamental rights and freedoms, highlighting their role in peacebuilding and reconciliation.

 

 

Cypriot Handicrafts Workshops

As part of the project, young participants created parts of the door monuments and gift plaques. Additionally, to help preserve endangered traditional crafts, they learned and practiced Karpasia Weaving, Silkworm Cocoon Art, Wood Carving, and Fabric Printing.

These workshops provided hands-on experience in Cypriot artisanal heritage, engaging over 80 young participants in learning and sustaining these valuable traditions.

 

Online Cultural Heritage Platform: Artisan Map & Digitalization of Cypriot Folk Dances

The Cyprus Artisans Platform maps traditional artisans across the island, connecting them with a wider audience and supporting the sustainability of their crafts.

Additionally, Cypriot folk dances were digitized using motion capture technology and transformed into 3D animations, ensuring that this living cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.

Village Visits Focusing on Local Artisans

Through these visits, young participants had the opportunity to meet local artisans, explore their workshops, and experience traditional production methods firsthand.

Visits were conducted in Fikardou, Chatos/Serdarlı, Pelendri, Syrianochori/Yayla, and Agios Theodoros/Çayırova villages. During these visits, detailed data on artisans and traditional crafts were collected and classified for integration into the "Cyprus Artisans" online platform.

Designed to make artisans and local producers easily accessible on an interactive map, the platform aims to increase artisans' visibility and support their economic sustainability. These efforts contribute to the preservation of local culture while fostering youth interest in traditional crafts.