Turkish Cypriot Culture

Traces of Different Cultures and Turkish Culture

The official language of the Turkish Cypriots, who are friendly and helpful people, is Turkish, but they have a unique dialect of their own. Various festivals, museums and art galleries that reveal the Turkish Cypriot culture and keep it alive help those who visit the candidate country to have an idea about the Cypriot culture. Folklore depicting everyday life also represents the unity and identity of Cyprus. The dances are performed by men and women in a way that complements each other, while women present more traditional movements and skills. Men, on the other hand, dance more calmly.

Experiencing Mediterranean Culture is Priceless

Different cultures have also been influential in the diversification of Cypriot cuisine. Unique tastes prepared with local products unique to Cyprus are offered to guests in Cyprus restaurants and taverns. Wine has been produced from grapes in Cyprus since the Bronze Age. When we visit some of the distinguished vineyard houses, you will get to know the wine culture of Cyprus and taste that unique taste. North Cyprus, which stands out with its untouched virgin nature and local life, is an important point of environmental tourism and a great address for those who want to get away from the turmoil of the Western world. Shopping in Cyprus is done in small markets and grocery stores instead of big shopping malls. This is an invaluable field of experience to experience the local Mediterranean culture.

Cyprus Has Been Home to Civilizations

Cultural heritage of centuries, Northern Cyprus handicrafts bearing the traces of history that has hosted civilizations, artifacts that guests do not go without buying Northern Cyprus, which has a historical past of more than 9 thousand years, is proud of this richness and cultural heritage today. The Great bath, which is the legacy of the Turkish bath culture; It is an important place where social gatherings are held, body and soul are cleansed, and local tranquility is experienced. Mevlevi lodge, located in the Ibrahim Pasha neighborhood of Nicosia and just inside the entrance of the Girne castle, is one of the most important historical and religious structures of the island. Derviş Paşa Mansion, on the other hand, is located within the walls of the Arabaahmet District, which preserves the traditional Northern Cyprus architectural feature in Nicosia. The mansion of Tüccarcıbaşızade Hacı Ahmet Derviş Efendi, editor of Zaman, the first Turkish newspaper, and one of the most prominent wealthy people of Cyprus.

Characteristic Handicraft Lefkara Embroidery

There are many handicrafts in Northern Cyprus. The traditional handicrafts that allow us to experience the centuries-old cultural heritage are the products that the guests who come to the island do not leave without buying them even today. The most characteristic handicraft of the island is Lefkara embroidery, the oldest handicraft dating back to the 15th century. Olive trees, which shape the history of Northern Cyprus as in every Mediterranean country, and develop with the history of Cyprus, appear both in natural areas and in agricultural areas. The idea of ​​green tourism has been introduced for many years to encourage travel to untouched and untouched places. Eco-tourism, defined as Responsible travel to natural areas that protect the environment and increase the welfare of local people, focuses on the tradition and nature of the country, rather than commercial facilities applied to attract more visitors.

Evil Eye Beads Are Found Everywhere

Many countries in the world have traditional dances handed down from generation to generation. This also applies to Northern Cyprus. Folklore, which has a very important place for the local people, represents unity and identity enriched by the influence of cultural heritage and the diversity of all civilizations. Everywhere you go in Northern Cyprus, you come across an evil eye bead. Evil eye beads are hung everywhere in Cyprus, in houses, cars, shops, restaurants. Even on walls, arcs, accessories, jewelry and everywhere else, you can see evil eye beads. The tradition, which is an integral part of the Cypriot culture, is the production of Cypriot wine, which has been going on since the Bronze Age. Like the bodega in Spain and the bistros in France, and the ostelia in Italy, Cyprus is also famous for its taverns. People come together in eating and entertainment venues and drink Turkish raki, which has become a tradition with thousands of years of history, accompanied by appetizers.

Part of a Global Cultural Current

Part of a global cultural movement known as the slow movement Cittaslow (Calm City). The aim of Cittaslow, which was established in Italy, is to change the quality of life in cities, to live in a quiet city, to have a cleaner environment, to eat healthy foods, to respect the values ​​of traditions, and by slowing down the general speed in the use of cities, the flow of life and traffic. It means taking part in a rich social life that is open to other cultures.

Bandabulya Serving for Centuries

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is one of the rare countries that helped achieve this goal. The main bazaar of the island of Cyprus, Bandabulya, which has been in service for centuries, was used as the main trade area between 1489-1570 during the rule of the Venetians. Selimiye (St.Sophia) and Bedesten (St.Nicolas Church) squares continue to preserve their historical features in Nicosia. At that time, the people entering from the walls of Nicosia would come to this market area every week to sell their products and fabrics.