Culture

The Turkish Cypriot Culture is a rich and varied one with strong influences from Turkey and the surrounding Mediterranean countries.

Amongst the many delights of North Cyprus are the cultural differences. The northern Cypriots are genuinely very friendly and helpful. Many of their customs are from a mix of the cultures which have swept through the island over the centuries.

Cypriots will not feel offended if visitors don’t necessarily understand the basic rituals of visiting someone's house for example, but you will gain more respect by having made some effort. When meeting someone it’s usual to shake hands, smile and look them in the eye then later say a separate goodbye to each guest. Remove shoes before entering a house as people used to sit on carpets on the floor. Take a small gift of cakes or sweets and, if flowers, don’t take funeral lilies. On a brief visit, you may be offered tea or coffee and fruit. If someone suggests reading coffee grains at the bottom of your coffee cup, turn the cup upside down onto the saucer to be read. Tavli, like backgammon, is the usual game played in coffee houses.

Museums and art galleries are good places to gain an insight into the culture as are local festivals. Festivals are ideal events to enjoy real local culture firsthand. Folk dancing depicts the story of everyday life, the girls more sedate than the boys showing off their skills. The blue eye (nazar boncuk), seen hanging in doorways, on clothes, in cars, and in jewelry is to ward off evil looks and spirits. Handicrafts include Lefkara lacework, from the Venetian era, for bedspreads and tablecloths, etc. Weave a wicker basket with bamboo or knit (weave) a wicket tray ‘sesta’ from dyed straw, reeds, and grasses, easily confused terms but articles from either make a great gift. Good buys are Kilims, small colorful rugs, silk pictures, and brooches. The cuisine is as diverse as the cultures that have helped create it, fresh local produce is used in preparing unique delicacies, served in typical Cypriot restaurants or Meyhane’s.

Grapes have been pressed in Cyprus since the Bronze Age, and visits to some of the distinguished vineyards provide a complete insight and experience of the NCY wine culture. A prime spot for ecotourism due to its unspoiled nature and prominence in local life, North Cyprus is a destination that truly takes you far away from the hum of fast-paced western culture. Shopping focuses predominantly on markets rather than big shopping centers, all part of the experience and a chance to get involved in the local Mediterranean life. Everything from fresh produce to proud NCY handicrafts carries forward years of cultural heritage and expertise dating to the Venetian era.

North Cyprus is proud of its rich and diverse cultural heritage, which stretches back more than 9,000 years.