* "I think Cittaslow is the preservation and development of the local values of both cities and peasants. As a country, we must value the Cittaslow brand."

* "Although our crafts have been forgotten, it is up to us to revive them. I believe that women entrepreneurs who do such work in order to carry our culture to the future should be supported and always encouraged. "

Hasan KARLITAŞ    

We had a chance to meet face to face with Nermin Başdoğrultmacı Kandili during the General Assembly of the Production Cooperative, which took place in Nicosia during the past few weeks, and had a chance to have a bit of a chat.

With her smiley face, "I want to give you a Cittaslow groud," said Nermin Hanım. We were following her work long time from facebook and previously from the newspapers.

Miss Nermin lives in Yeniboğaziçi which is a member of international Cittaslow such as Lefke and Mehmetçik. She is up for a calm life and slow food and she is an important value.

“I like to produce very much”

Ms. Nermin, who has been producing since 2013, has also set up her own workshop with projects she has recently received. She grows her own gourds. She underlines that she can help with those who want to learn this art with great sincerity.

It is not possible to see and not fall for pumpkins produced by Ms. Nermin who gives life to the gourds that she produces with her hand and with great affection. Each of her work is a separate labour, aesthetic and workmanship.

"We must carry our culture into the future"

We want to share with you what we have experienced with the Ms. Nermin, that we think it can be a great example to all of us.

How did your curiosity about gourd and handcrafts begin?

My curiosity with gourd started in 2013 with gardening seeds.

My interest in crafts began at a young age because of the fact that my mother is a tailor. Whenever I see someone with a job in hand, I was going right to them, watch and ask how they were doing it.

·      How many years have you been doing this job?

I've been doing this since 2013. But I have been doing business since 2016.

How is interest in women entrepreneurs and handicrafts in North Cyprus? How should people be encouraged in this regard?

Although our crafts have been forgotten, it is up to us to revive them. I believe that women entrepreneurs who do such work in order to carry our culture to the future should be supported and always encouraged.

I am a woman entrepreneur. The fear of not succeeding should never prevent me from experimenting. I joined the KOBIGEM Entrepreneurship Project 2016, which the government opened by thinking, how I can do it and how I can achieve it. I passed through trainings and now I am part of this project. It is a very good feeling to accomplish by doing the work I love.

There must always be incentives for those who are dealing with such handicrafts for the purpose of production and consumption. This strengthens the chain. It should be primarily government, municipalities, cooperatives, organizations, spouses, friends, and relatives.

• What is Cittaslow?

I think Cittaslow is the preservation and improvement of the local values of cities and peasants. As a country, we must value the Cittaslow brand.

• Are production and Cittaslow relationships linked with each other?

For local production, Cittaslow is the right platform. It is a sustainable local development model. As a result, slow cities have to be places that produce and value places.

• What motifs do you use in your work?

I work in a variety of motifs, both culturally and daily, in modern style. The generator has no limit.

• Are you teaching?

I am giving lessons to those who are curious or those who want to learn at Yeniboğaziçi in a small hobby workshop. I can help you if you reach me on 0548 866 42 99.