In Lurucina, the dead are dead, not born.
The village of Akıncılar, formerly known as "Lurucina" and located in the Lefkoşa district, is visibly heading toward extinction.
The Akıncılar area is struggling with a significant migration problem.
The young population in the village has drastically decreased, as newly married young people are forced to migrate out of the village. While the population was around 500 in the last census, it has now fallen below 300.
Speaking to Kıbrıs Postası, Akıncılar Mayor Hasan Barbaros emphasized that opening a border crossing in the region is essential to secure its future.
“There are deaths in the village, but no births,” said Barbaros, urging the next president to be courageous about the border crossing issue in the upcoming presidential election.
The population crisis in Akıncılar
Once home to nearly 490 people in the last census, the population of Akıncılar has dropped to under 300. Mayor Hasan Barbaros stressed the need for a border crossing to revitalize the area and added that young people leave the village after getting married.
Barbaros: "We are always pushed to the back"
Mayor Hasan Barbaros highlighted that contractors often neglect Akıncılar due to its small-scale projects. He stated that contractors prioritize larger projects elsewhere and only deal with Akıncılar "in their spare time."
"We can't complete projects even though we have the funds"
Barbaros explained that while they prepare budgets and submit them to the Ministry of the Interior, they have not received any response, causing delays in their projects. He noted that even though they have the financial resources, they cannot proceed with necessary work.
Referring to damaged roads in the region, Barbaros stated that the municipality can allocate a maximum of 40,000 Turkish Liras for repairs. However, contractors working in more lucrative areas like Girne are unwilling to take on projects in Akıncılar for this amount.
The importance of opening a border crossing
Barbaros emphasized that opening a crossing point between Akıncılar and the southern part of Cyprus is crucial. He warned that the village is on the verge of extinction without such a measure. “I hate to say this, but unfortunately, this is our reality: people die in our village, but there are no births,” said Barbaros, adding that every married couple moves away.
The mayor explained that the population, which was around 490 during the last census, has now dropped below 300.
"Young people leave after marriage"
Without a border crossing or a resolution to the Cyprus issue, there is little hope of improving conditions in Akıncılar. Barbaros stated that only three or four unmarried young people remain in the village, and those who marry inevitably leave.
"The next president must be bold"
Barbaros emphasized the importance of decisive leadership, saying, “We have a presidential election ahead. The president who is elected must act courageously and help us. Border crossings are primarily a concern for the president. The elected president must speak up for this border crossing to open.”
"We came close to opening a unilateral crossing"
Barbaros revealed that they had nearly succeeded in opening a unilateral crossing, allowing only residents of Akıncılar to pass. However, no final agreement was reached. Even a unilateral crossing, he argued, would significantly benefit the village by enabling access to hospitals and employment opportunities in the south.
"Had it opened, residents of Akıncılar could have gone to the hospital or found work in the south. However, no solution has been found,” he lamented.
The struggle to open a border crossing and the ongoing population decline highlight the challenges Akıncılar faces in preserving its future.
