By Heidi Trautmann

‘I am a Leymosuner’, a proud declaration by thousands of people who assembled again this year for the second time at the Bogaz Picnic area. That is how the people of Limassol who until 1974 lived together peacefully call themselves, and this is also the name of the new association “I am a Leymosuner’ founded by Musa Kayra, cartoonist and a ‘Leymosuner’ himself, and others. Through this movement people will be able to find their friends again, they can share their memories of times past.

With the help of many supporters - and following the wish of so many who had met for the first time again after 38 years when they were expelled from their homes – Musa Kayra and his association organised a fest of reunion again.

“Our culture must be preserved,” he told me, “the mayor of Girne has assigned one part of the new Municipality building to become a small Limassol Museum where memorabilia can be displayed for all to see.”

Musa Kayra drew a touching cartoon for the occasion. He also gave me some photos to share with our readers.

“We have prepared photo albums and on the occasion of the fest a photo gallery with old photos people have sent us. Also a book was newly published as second edition  ‘Nisan Yüzügü’ by Engin Nasit, who was a commander of the Mücahits and closely connected with our lives. A CD with two songs that were especially composed for the occasion by the band NET that played for us at the picnic, was available as well.”

New threads of friendship can be tied on the basis of memories, old ones renewed, and as Musa suggests in his cartoon, old loves refound....