Launch of Oxygen for Democracy Αward
Oxygen for Democracy is delighted to announce the launch of the Oxygen for Democracy Award, a new initiative to recognise individuals posthumously who have made significant contributions to the advancement of democracy and peace in Cyprus.
This award reflects our ongoing commitment to celebrating and preserving the legacies of those who have dedicated their lives to these vital causes. The nominees for this inaugural award are:
- Lellos Demetriades – Lellos Demetriades served as Mayor of Nicosia for 30 years. In the early 1980s, Demetriades collaborated with Mustafa Akinci through a series of informal agreements to upgrade the city’s sewerage system, marking the first step toward Nicosia’s reunification. Demetriades envisioned a unified Nicosia and a reunified Cyprus.
- Lena Melanidou – Lena Melanidou co-founded and conducted the Choir for Peace in Cyprus, uniting Greek and Turkish Cypriots since 1997 to promote reconciliation and a peaceful solution to the political conflict. As a peace ambassador, she represented the Cyprus issue to foreign negotiators and politicians. She made sure the songs were performed equally in both languages and pushed for the speeches to be translated into Turkish.
- Stella Soulioti – Stella Soulioti was a trailblazer and a highly influential figure in Cypriot political life. She held numerous key roles in service to Cyprus. In 1976, she became the first woman to join the Greek Cypriot negotiation team during the bi-communal talks.
- Xenofon Kallis – Xenofon Kallis, who led the missing persons service at the foreign ministry for many years, dedicated his life to uncovering the fate of those missing from the 1955-59, 1963-64 and 1974 conflicts. He worked tirelessly alongside families, earning the respect of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. His commitment to locating and exhuming the remains of victims was unparalleled.
- Özker Özgür – Özker Özgür was an educator, politician, and influential leader in the peace struggle in Cyprus, dedicating his life to community unity, peace and a federal solution. He chose the surname “Özgür,” which means “free”, symbolising his commitment to freedom. His efforts focused on democracy, political equality, and the human rights of every Cypriot.
- Tuncer Bağışkan – Tuncer Bağışkan was a researcher, writer, and archaeologist. He conducted archaeological surveys and excavations across Cyprus and started folklore research with the Folk Arts Association in 1987. In 2011 and 2019, Bağışkan directed officials from the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus to possible burial sites, leading to the discovery of remains of Greek Cypriots.
- Turkan Aziz – Türkan Aziz was a pioneering figure in Cypriot healthcare, serving as the first director of midwives and nursing staff and becoming the first Turkish Cypriot head nurse at Nicosia General Hospital after the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960. Her contributions extended beyond this role, as she achieved significant successes in combating malaria during the British period, leaving a lasting impact on public health.
- Vedia Barut – Vedia Barut, a prominent figure in the Turkish Cypriot community, was not only a businesswoman, but also endeared herself to the public through her involvement in culture, arts, and theatre. Known for her warm relationships with people, she also worked as a newspaper trader in Nicosia for nearly 60 years, facilitating communication between the north and south of Cyprus by exchanging newspapers, even when the border gates were closed.
The winners of this award will be announced at the Cyprus Forum’s Networking Event, which will take place on October 3, 2024 at 7.30pm in the Nicosia Old Town Hall Garden. If you wish to attend, save your seat here: https://2024.cyprusforum.cy/save-your-seat/.
We invite you to participate in this important process by casting your vote for one Greek Cypriot, and one Turkish Cypriot candidate, who you believe has made the most impactful contribution. Voting is open until September 30, 2024.