North Cyprus Culture
The people of North Cyprus are amongst the friendliest in the Mediterranean and will always make visitors feel welcome. Family life is a very important part of the Turkish Cypriot culture and most weekends and holidays will be spent at family gatherings. Whilst the majority of Turkish Cypriots are Muslim, very few regularly attend Mosque but they do observe religious festivals and this again is a time for the families to get together.
Language
The official language in North Cyprus is Turkish but English is widely spoken and it’s very easy to make yourself understood in bars, restaurants and even in government offices.
Food and Drink
The culture of a country or region is always reflected in its cooking and the cuisine of the Turkish Cypriot culture is no exception, with a combination of cooking styles and flavours from the Mediterranean, Turkey and the Middle East.
A typical Turkish Cypriot restaurant meal consists of meze, kebabs (lamb or chicken) or fish, followed by fruit and coffee. Meze is a selection of hot and cold appetizers such as kofte (meatballs), hummus dips, mint yogurt, and hellim (goat’s milk cheese). A Turkish Cypriot speciality is the şeftali kebab (peach kebab), made with minced meat, chopped onion and spices, wrapped in lamb fat and grilled. And for dessert, lokma (small doughnuts in syrup), Ekmek Kadayif with Cream (Turkish Cypriot bread pudding) or baklava, as well as freshly-picked fruit such as sweet melon, oranges and figs.
And why not wash your meal down with a glass of rakı (alcoholic aniseed drink), or choose from many good wines, beers and spirits, including the famous brandy sour drink – a cocktail made with brandy, lemon juice and angostura bitters. If you have room, you may want to finish off with a fix of thick Turkish coffee or tea.
View a list of some of our favourite Restaurants in North Cyprus.
Dancing
Dancing used to be an important part of culture in North Cyprus for the Turkish Cypriot people to express their feeling but nowadays it is mostly limited to special occasions such as weddings and family gatherings.
Traditional Handicrafts
Lefkara embroidery is an old Cypriot culture tradition dating back to the Venetian period, where beautiful and intricate items such as bed covers, table cloths, doilies and head-scarves were weaved using drawn and counted thread embroidery on lace.
Carpet weaving is another age-old Cypriot tradition and is mostly found in the Famagusta region. Kilims (small floor rugs) with colourful designs and patterns make ideal souvenirs or gifts, whilst wicker basket weaving is another Cypriot art form that is popular with locals and tourists.
Customs
Evil Eye
The Nazar or evil eye talisman will be found hanging inside nearly all Turkish Cypriot homes and offices and is said to ward off evil spirits and deflect or absorb evil looks. It is also worn on the person as a necklace or used as a key fob.
Visiting people’s homes
Whenever you are invited into a Turkish Cypriot home you will be given a drink such as tea or Turkish coffee often accompanied by a plate of fruit.
If the culture in North Cyprus intrigues you then you may want to experience it first hand by taking one of our inspection trips to view a property for sale in North Cyprus.