The “Home for Cooperation” is a landmark building located within a significant site, in the neutral UN Buffer zone in Cyprus. – The“Home for Cooperation” is up and running, and the interest from both communities has been remarkable, says project officer Tulin Aker.
In May, the “Home for Cooperation” opened its doors to the public, bringing a fresh and invigorating air to what has long been known as the ‘dead zone’ in Cyprus. The building is functioning as a meeting place for people from both the southern and the northern part of the island.
“Home for Cooperation” brings people together
The mission is to make people engage in historical inquiry and advance understanding, dialogue and peace building.
– We have of course a lot of academic events, but it is also important to bring people together on a cultural level, says Aker, who herself participated at the belly dance workshop.
– We also need to focus on the creative and joyful. Belly dancing is part of the Cypriot culture and traditionally being performed in both communities. The workshop was attended by both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot ladies shimmering away to exotic bellydancing music.
The belly dancing workshop is scheduled to run again due to the great interest.
Multi use center
– The center will host advanced academic seminars, meetings, photo exhibitions and more. “Home for Cooperation” has really implemented its name, Aker states, adding that the project is under continuous development.
– All the events have been bi-communal along with institutions both locally and internationally. This is the vision that we anticipated for the home, that fact that we have achieved this thus far makes us proud, Aker says.
The centre is to be an arena for young people, students, teachers, researchers and others who want an opportunity to meet and take part in dialogues and discussions. It houses a library, an archive, office facilities for NGOs, conference facilities and a café.
With support from EEA and Norway Grants
With a contribution of 750.000 € through the EEA and Norway Grants, Norway has contributed to the realization of the project. The bi-communal Association for Historical Dialogue and Research is the NGO responsible for the project.