With the demise of Cyprus Turkish Airways, Peter and Sue Toms, residents of Estentepe for the last 3½ years, thought the people of Esentepe needed something to lift their spirits and so a party and presentation was organised on Saturday 26th July at the Tumba Restaurant, Esentepe to say goodbye to the outgoing Mukhtar, Raif Özkay Naziboglu (pictured left), who, after an 8 year tenure has been succeeded by Gunay Takatuka (right).

Mukhtar Özkay Naziboglu is a farmer who also runs the Corner Shop next to the Tumba Restaurant, which is run by his son, Sevki and his wife Serif.  “Özkay has been a good friend to the villagers in Esentepe” said Peter, “and so we presented him with an inscribed photograph, made by Peter and Susie Hassan, to show our appreciation for all the hard work he has done and all he has achieved, not only over his 8 years as Mukhtar but also prior to that when he was a Council member for 4 years”.    Özkay’s wife, Nayle was not forgotten and she was presented with a beautiful potted plant.  The presentations were made by Paul and Marilyn Lee.

On receiving his presentation Özkay responded, through his interpreter Gunay, not to be confused with the new Mukhtar, by saying he was very pleased and proud the way the night had turned out and it had always been his intention to help and provide a service to the people of Esentepe. He said North Cyprus would always welcome new people and he concluded by saying he apologised if he had made any mistakes, but he really didn’t think he had made any!

The incumbent Mukhtar, Gunay Takatuka thanked Özkay for his hard work and promised to continue to help the people of Esentepe and said he would be available to help in any way he could.

About 70 people turned up for the presentation but sadly, local Cypriots were thin on the ground as the audience was mainly ex-pats.   A light buffet was served, courtesy of Sevki and Serif of the Tumba Restaurant, and music was provided by Sapphire and Steel, all for the princely price of TL5.

The Esentepe Mukhtar’s office is opposite the Belideyre and Gunay can be contacted on 05338401395.  He will be in the office Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and Sat 0900-1200. Traditionally, the Mukhtar is available to register births and deaths, will sign official documents i.e. Residency forms and he can also help with translations as he speaks very good English.  Whilst the Mukhtar’s post is voluntary and unpaid, there is usually a small charge for any of his services.