Posted by NEo in
Mahallas
Used in both Greek and Turkish in Cyprus and originating from the Arabic word for “neighbourhood”. Until the late 19th century the big cities of Cyprus were divided into smaller, more manageable units, whose focus was the local mosque or church. Life in the mahalle was characterized by the intimacy of social relations between their inhabitants; an intimacy that was shot through all daily activities, many times blurring the boundaries between private and public.
Aims
Mahallas aims to recreate the intimacy of these social relations, by creating a vibrant on-line community focused on the exchange of news, thoughts and ideas about Cyprus and the world. The blog will act as the forum for these to be presented and discussed.
At the same time, as a newspaper, the blog aims to challenge the conventional methods of news reporting by providing the opportunity for readers to also be reporters. What is important and worthy of reporting will no longer be decided by a single source but will be up to the readership. Like in the mahalle, the boundaries between private and public are blurred; and all the members of the community become interested in the commons.
Get involved!
Your input is vital for the success of the blog! There is constant need for new articles, photographs, videos, sketches – anything to interest, excite or stimulate other readers to think and respond. There is special need for commentary on events in Cyprus. Mahallas is all about its readers take on the news.
Please contact us at contact@mahallas.com for directions on how to get your ideas posted on the blog.
Some things to think about
The focus of this blog should remain as broad as possible; and the posts on it as varied as its readership. Articles on any aspect of Cypriot society or culture (or indeed any society and culture) are welcome. Posts could be in any of the three languages: Greek, Turkish or English.
Mahallas needs to remain, however, OPEN TO EVERYONE and INCLUSIVE. As such, posts that abuse any part of the readership on the grounds of gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, political affiliation or otherwise will not be tolerated and action will be taken against their authors immediately. If you feel that you cannot express your ideas, or reply to other ideas respectfully, please refrain from doing so altogether.
Looking forward to reading your posts!
Your neighbours at mahallas
contact@mahallas.com
1 Response to Welcome to our Mahallas
nice idea
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