Pikadilli, Famagusta
“Pikadilli was an open-space for open-minds, for creatives, educators, groups, and gatherings of all kinds set up in 2016. It was whatever you wanted to make of it.” This was Nurtane Karagil’s intention, a shop space left to her by great aunt who could no longer run it as a haberdashery. Originally, so much more than just a shop, it was also a social space.
In 2018 the open-space came to a close reclaimed by family members who wanted to make money off of it as a kebab shop (which has yet to be realized). Many of the Pikadillians, primarily Karagil and her best friend and colleague Dr. Aycan Garip, felt like they had lost a family member or a home to a devastating accident. Here is how Garip expressed their vision for Pikadilli and what it could mean to the community members who needed it:
“It’s like Picadilly Circus in here” “Cyprus is so boring. There is nothing going on!”
If you’ve even been to Piccadilly Circus in London, you’ll know about the craze, the commotion and the colorful mix of people roaming the streets night and day. Pikadilli inhabits the hustle and bustle as well as the many characters that make Piccadilly Circus a magnet for creatives. As a haberdashery, Pikadilli made a name for itself in Famagusta as a social hub, as well as a place to find anything from acorns to zippers.
“In 2016, Pikadilli was revived as a free-space (free as in freedom, not as in we don’t need to pay bills). Similar spaces have gained global popularity as locations dedicated to creativity, knowledge, discussion, community service, civic innovation, alternative learning methods, and meeting new people. Although no longer a haberdashery, the button-souvenirs remind new comers that Pikadilli is still a building block providing the tools to weave and stitch to create something greater than itself.”
Nurtane Karagil and Aycan Garip took charge of the logistics and administrative work required to run Pikadilli, however, everyone entering its doors was responsible for Pikadilli, meaning that each person was responsible for their actions, words, and themselves. A list of ground rules helped ensure that everyone walking into Pikadilli felt safe, respected, and had equal opportunity to use the facilities. After all, this space was one where everyone could feel like they belonged.
For more please visit Pikadilli’s Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/pikadilli10b/
Activity Links:
1. Atay “Lose Me” shot at Pikadillli – directed by Aycan Garip, Costumes and Set design: Nurtane Karagil Budget: Free
2. Bunfyah “Freedom Fighter” – directed and written by Aycan Garip, Headquartesrs: Pikadilli
3. Halloween Movie Night at Pikadilli
5. Sunday Breakfast- Second Hand Bazaar – DJ – Bar
6. “All Debord: Insert Catchy Slogan Here” Happening
https://www.facebook.com/events/1658172001142109/
https://www.facebook.com/events/1658172001142109/?active_tab=discussion
