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Amazing things are in store for Altinkum, Didim and Akbuk. A new marina, a new harbour, plans for golf courses, and five star hotels.
While development on all fronts – a new marina, a new harbour, plans for golf courses, five star hotels and the rise and rise of apartments and villas – seem to be engulfing the former village, it is the foreign residents who have begun adapting to the landscape in a quiet, workmanlike manner. A group of ‘exogonauts' – foreign residents – have formed a group to represent the views and concerns at the top level with Didim's Mayor Mümin Kamacı and the various heads of departments. Mayor Kamacı first brought up the idea of representatives – the equivalent of Muhtars (local administrators) – at an annual general meeting with foreign residents last year, and while the idea was slow to take off, a push in the resort's English-language newspaper saw a coming together of interested parties in the spring and the body for the 10 districts was formed. It is a reflection of how seriously both communities are now trying to work with one another rather than adopt a “them and us” attitude toward problems and information dissemination. The “big win” for the representatives was a meeting with Kamacı shortly before the general elections took place. While the meeting was largely a public relations exercise for both sides, Kamaci can at least see the formation of his idea now in front of his eyes. After exchanging niceties across the large table at the mayor's office, the jovial Kamacı did not miss a beat in extending the hand of friendship. There will no doubt be rocky roads ahead for both communities, as the foreign population, probably still coming to terms with paying a council bill which averages about YTL 60 in Didim – a huge difference from the YTL 4,160 in the U.K., look for quick improvements. These include old complaints such as better roads, more frequent collection of refuse, information in English and Turkish, and better street lighting. One of the key founders of the Mahalle (neighborhood) representatives George Soulsby reflects: “I think it was a very positive meeting and is a step toward greater integration between all communities. We are not in it for a quick win or the short term. We want to learn from the council how it goes about various aspects of its business and services, and essentially the meeting with the mayor was a resounding success.All the representatives are in it for the long haul and know that the goal is to improve the lives of everyone in the resort, not just the English-language speakers here. We want to reach out to Germans, Russians and other nationalities that are settling here.” Kamacı was equally pleased with the meeting. “We must be able to work together with honesty and trust. If we can work to a common good and seek solutions then it will be for the benefit of the greater community,” he said. Such has been the respect on both sides, that Soulsby has now been invited to help out for Didim's annual Peace Festival activities which occur at the end of August. The festival was initially started nine years ago as reconciliation between the Turkish and Greek communities, but has now quickly taken on an international perspective. Ever one for springing a surprise, Kamacı then threw the gauntlet down to the representatives – who are middle to retirement age – to take part in the festival's run from the Apollo Temple to the beach. The challenge was met with nervous laughter and a few winks. Indeed the mayor pressed the point and many said yes ok. Kamacı then admitted he ran the first couple of meters before alighting onto a vehicle – dolmuş (shared cab) or car – to get to the end and complete the run!!! Indeed, peace and unity among the communities will be a marathon as both sides come to understand cultures and attitudes. But, at least, in Didim, the ‘exogonauts' are now limbering up and will definitely not be left at the starting gate. |
