Unit7-Part2-Reading

Sidislow is a movement which was founded in Italy in October 1999.

It is part of a cultural trend known as the slow movement.

In simple terms, Sidislow towns aim to be great places to live, work and visit.

They aim to support local businesses, foster local traditions,

protect the environment, welcome visitors and encourage the active participation of people in civic life.

These towns resist the globalization of towns around the world.

They promote cultural diversity and uniqueness of individual cities

and provide inspiration for a more natural and healthier lifestyle.

Sidislow is a membership organization.

Full membership of Sidislow is only open to towns with a population under 50 ,000.

Towns must go through a demanding process to be Sidislow members.

Sidislow has expanded broadly beyond Italy.

By 2006, there were national Sidislow networks in Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

By mid -2009, 14 countries had at least one officially accepted Sidislow town.

Izmir Zeferehisar was given the title Sidislow in 2009 by the committee

and it became Turkey's first slow city.

A study shows that although the Sidislow concept hasn't been understood clearly

by all the residents of Zeferehisar, the movement has been seen as a success.

According to the study, most of the citizens perceive Sidislow as an economic development model.