What is the Cittaslow ?

Cittaslow (Sakin Şehir-in Turkish) is an Italian idea developed from the *Slow Food movement. Cittaslow towns take the time to identify what is important and special about that town and its surrounding area and put in place strategies to preserve their unique qualities, making life better for everyone.
 

The “Global Village” may have created unparalleled opportunities for the exchange of goods and ideas, but it can also lead to the proliferation of uniformity which stifles individuality and creativity at the local level.

A Cittaslow is one where the community chooses to:

1. - implement an environmental policy which nurtures the distinctive features of that town or city and its surrounding area, and focuses on recycling & recovery;
2. - put in place infrastructure with a focus on environmentally-friendly use of land;
3. - preserve the history of a region, the important buildings and historical locations and making sure they are identified, protected and maintained;
4. - encourage the use of technology that will improve the quality of air and life in the city;
5. - support the production and consumption of organic foodstuffs;
6. - protect and promote products which have their roots in tradition and reflect a local way of doing things;
7. - encourage learning about food and where it comes from;
8. - encourage a spirit of genuine hospitality towards guests of the town or city.

There are now around 100 Cittaslows in the world, mostly in Europe. In March 2007 a delegation from Cittaslow headquarters in Italy inspected Goolwa in South Australia and the Blue Mountains, having received an extensive self-assessment from both regions beforehand. The Australasian Network of Cittaslow was then commenced. When visiting the Blue Mountains, the delegates experienced our magnificent World Heritage environment, our diverse cafes and restaurants, vibrant arts community, historic buildings and unique small businesses, and also met some of our small producers. It was agreed these were attributes worthy of Katoomba, Blue Mountains being declared a Cittaslow, with a formal presentation of gifts and signing of the Cittaslow Certificate by our Mayor, Jim Angel and President of Cittaslow, Mr Roberto Angelucci, on 16 March 2007, at a Civic Reception.

Cittaslow Cities in Turkey

Akyaka( Muğla), Gökçeada( Çanakkale) Seferihisar (İzmir),Taraklı (Sakarya),Yenipazar ( Aydın),Yalvaç (Isparta),Perşembe ( Ordu), Vize,(Kırklareli), Halfeti (Şanlıurfa). 

Source: http://www.cittaslow.org.au/

For more readings: http://www.zaman.com.tr/ahmet-turan-alkan/sakin-bir-sehirde-yasamanin-bedelini-odemeye-razi-miyiz_2088642.html