According to tradition, the lyrics of “Tillyrkotissa,” namely “Essē e-vereve-nan a-baravā,” were the cryptic language used by the Christians of Cyprus so that the Ottomans would not understand them.
Nearly 150 years after Ottoman rule, the lyrics became the reason for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to dance together at the Peace Festival in Pyla.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
As you can see in the footage, the Turkish Cypriot leader led the dance; however, just as the lyrics are hard to understand, so too is the result.
In other words, did the two leaders grow closer through this festival?
The festival in Pyla is seen as a good opportunity to foster a positive atmosphere amid efforts to resume talks.
“He looked glum”
Judging by how the night ended, things probably didn’t go so well, since Tufan Erhurman, was annoyed—according to Turkish Cypriot media—by President Christodoulides’ decision to comment on issues related to the negotiations, such as, for example, what happened at the dinner hosted by António Guterres, during which a proposal was made to open new checkpoints.
“Does Ms. Olgin know who immediately said yes, who said no, and with whom she had a not-so-calm discussion regarding his response?”
Nikos Christodoulides – President of the Republic
So, upon learning that the above remarks had been made 10 minutes earlier, the Turkish Cypriot leader decided not to speak to the journalists, with his aides telling Turkish Cypriot journalists that he was “upset” by Nikos Christodoulides’ decision not to limit himself to the symbolic nature of the day.
“Erhurman felt embarrassed by Christodoulides’ statements prior to the Festival, while an aide conveyed to journalists that he himself would avoid speaking so as not to spoil the atmosphere.”
Bugun Kibris
“The Turkish Cypriot leader did not mention anything to me during the event, and I do not believe I said anything that would justify any discomfort.”
Nikos Christodoulides – President of the Republic
Meanwhile, the two community leaders of Pyla, Simos Mytidis and Veysal Günden, sent messages of peace in an effort to support the positive atmosphere that the two leaders have been trying to foster for months.
In the meantime, the two leaders, in the presence of officials from both communities and the UNFICYP leadership, spoke in a cordial atmosphere at a dinner intended for relaxed conversation.
In any case, next Tuesday, at the next meeting between the two leaders, it will become clear whether last night’s “Festival” was a good start toward changing the negative atmosphere.
Watch George Chrysanthous’ report:
