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- Русский
It is with great pleasure that I am among you today, here in beautiful Platres, on the occasion of the presentation of the poetry anthology "Poetic Journey to Mountain Cyprus", recently published by the newly established Foundation for the Culture of Mountain Communities.
Just like the goal set by the Foundation in deciding to publish the anthology, and as indicated by the chosen title, the poems take readers on a mental journey through the enchanting paths of mountainous Cyprus.
The 48 poets, depositing their souls, emotions, personal stories and experiences in the verses that adorn the publication, succeed in vividly highlighting the unique physiognomy of this unique region of our country. This special physiognomy of mountainous Cyprus was the reason, but also the inexhaustible source, that set the inspiration of the authors in motion. It is no coincidence that even our Nobel Prize-winning poet George Seferis, inspired by the idyllic landscape of Platres, wrote: "The nightingales don't let you sleep in Platres."
The physiognomy of the region is constituted by its colours and aromas, defined by its known and unknown people, their manners, customs and traditions, who managed to keep them alive over two years and pass them on to the new generation through their love for their villages.
It is in this context that the anthologized poems enrich the bibliography on Cypriot poetic production, communicating to the readers the source talent of their creators, while composing, at the same time, a valuable treasure. Together with the photographic material that embellishes the publication, they preserve and convey through its pages the beauty, history and cultural heritage with which mountainous Cyprus is associated.
This is precisely the purpose of the establishment of the Mountain Communities Culture Foundation, which constitutes an important chapter in the preservation, promotion and exploitation, to the greatest possible extent, of the history, culture and contemporary creation of the wider region.
Despite the short period of time that has passed since the Foundation became active, its members, demonstrating dedication and zeal in carrying out the mission entrusted to them by the State, have created an important framework of cooperation with Ministries, Deputy Ministries, agencies, institutions, organizations and local authorities.
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth has contributed substantially to the establishment and operation of the Foundation, in cooperation with the Office of the Commissioner for the Development of Mountain Communities.
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth has contributed substantially to the establishment and operation of the Foundation, in cooperation with the Office of the Commissioner for the Development of Mountain Communities. Our common vision and goal is to maximise the potential that the operation of the Foundation can deliver, particularly in terms of upgrading and developing the education, letters and arts provided in the region.
The benefits resulting from the undertaking of today's initiative, the actions that preceded it and those that are planned, confirm the positive impact that the operation of the Foundation will have for the inhabitants of the mountain communities.
Just two weeks ago, I visited again the area of Troodos and specifically Moutoullas, in an event dedicated to the uniqueness of the traditional art of boatbuilding, with which this community is closely linked. It is a privilege for us to see the extent of this richness of the history and cultural heritage of our land. It is for this reason that we have a duty to work and cooperate for their preservation.
The Government, prioritising this duty, is adopting a coherent policy to achieve the objectives set out in the Governance Programme in the field of culture. At the same time, we seek to further strengthen the communities and rural residents, showing particular interest in the problems they face, in highlighting their specificities and in the progress of the inhabitants.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the poets who responded willingly to the Foundation's invitation, embracing the initiative to publish an anthology dedicated to mountainous Cyprus.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the poets who responded willingly to the Foundation's invitation, embracing the initiative to publish an anthology dedicated to mountainous Cyprus. In particular, I would like to praise those who worked with zeal, dedicating time and effort, succeeding in delivering this excellently edited and valuable publication.
Dear President, dear members of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, the examples of your action so far leave no doubt that you will highlight the Foundation as the best ambassador of the tradition and culture of the mountain communities.
Dear President, dear members of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, the examples of your action so far leave no doubt that you will highlight the Foundation as the best ambassador of the tradition and culture of the mountain communities. I want to assure you that, in this demanding effort, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth will be your constant helper and companion.
Thank you.
(NΓ)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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