Project Outline
This project originated from three basic premises:
1. |
There are a range of foods and related practices which can be authentically identified as a distinct Cypriot diet. |
2. |
The Cypriot diet falls under the Mediterranean Diet that has been demonstrated to be significantly more health enhancing than others. |
3. |
Experienced as an everyday practice, it has received little specific attention yet is worthy of being systematically investigated. |
The overarching aim of this project is to generate an interactive databank,
housed at www.eurotoquescyprus.org, which encourages Cypriots and others
to investigate further the forms in which food is produced and consumed
on the island, the histories of those processes and the varying forms
through which the significance of this might be better understood.
However, there is a range of other objectives, which this project seeks
to meet.
The emphasis placed on the Cypriot diet insures that the subject is of
equal relevance to the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
Whilst there remains variation in food consumed the core diet is shared.
What will also become apparent is that through the history of the production
and consumption of food, the wide-ranging influences on the island can
be clearly traced. In this sense, the diversity of Cypriot culture can
be demonstrated in an educative and accessible form.
Consequently, whilst the objective inquiry is the production and consumption
of food, how diet is a reflection of, or embedded in, particular social
relations, cultural practices, religious festivals, seasonal trends etc,
will also find a place in the materials generated.
In order to reach as many people as possible, sections of this web site,
and other related materials are available in English, Greek and Turkish.
Furthermore, the process through which this material has been collected
is based on a collaborative effort from both communities.
The sustainability of this project rests on the fact that it seeks to
raise awareness on health issues, which are intimately related to dietary
patterns. In this sense, a clear objective is to contribute to the promotion
of healthy living by suggesting that, in comparison with other forms of
diet, the “traditional Cypriot diet” carries significant advantages.
The outcomes to accrue from the development of this project included:
• |
The two communities being brought together through the traditional nutritional habits, which included similarities and differences |
• |
Developing further the islands common European future in the field of nutrition |
• |
Further developing the island’s common future in the field
of nutrition. |
• |
Actively maintaining, promoting and protecting the principles of the Cypriot diet and further participating in the achievement of public health goals in European countries (www.nut.uoa.gr) - Charter developed by both parties |
• |
Assisting in promoting quality, guaranteed nutrition and healthy eating habits for the public throughout Europe. |
The specific outcomes evolved around: |
|
• |
The introduction, development and promotion of a Good Practice Charter covering the whole island |
• |
The development of this web site: |
• |
The organisation of chef exchanges and invitations extended to both sides for various events |
• |
Awareness Days: Cheese & Wine Days on both sides |
• |
The production of 2-4 bi-communal videos on Cyprus Food and its making |
• |
The development of a postcards highlighting and promoting the web site and the Charter of Good Practice |
Click
here to view Action Plan
