Cypriot Culture

Visit Cyprus and you will discover a beautiful country steeped in history. Fascinating to explore, this is a stunning island with an impressive heritage

By Louise R. Candy

Cyprus has a rich and colorful cultural landscape, with major influences from both Greece and Turkey. Wander through some of the old villages and you feel like you are stepping back in time, where the older women sit outside their houses making lefkara (lace) and the men hunch over games of backgammon (tavla). Cyprus was once so famous for its lace that Leonardo Da Vinci visited to buy some for the cathedral in Milan.

Proud of its 9000-year-old cultural heritage, this is an island boasting many handcrafts and interesting folk art. On the Karpas peninsula you will find beautiful hand-woven kilim rugs. Higher up in the Trudos Mountains, in Phini village, they still make traditional pottery and little, intricate clay vases, as they have done for hundreds of years. Cyprus is also known for its colourful hand-woven fabrics, carved wooden chests and much more.

Eating and drinking
The Cypriot cuisine combines its Turkish and Greek roots with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours to create a delicious and original taste. In the north you will be served mostly Turkish food ,while in the south you will find Greek dishes on the tables. But where ever you go on the island you will be served kleftiko, lamb cooked in the oven, and Meze, a collection of dips and salads, as well as meat and fish dishes. The island is also known for its fantastic fruit that the government protects by forbidding imports.

The people in North Cyprus are famous for their hospitality. Everywhere you will find small Turkish cafes where the men sit and talk, drink strong Turkish coffee and play board games. The restaurants and tavernas buzz with activity as families meet to share delicious meals and conversation. Good value for money and great fun, you'll find yourself truly relaxing over lunch, as you start to enjoy the easy pace of life enjoyed in Cyprus.

Cyprus is well-known for its long-established wine regions, indeed the first reference to Cypriot wine is in the Old Testament of the Bible (Solomon's ‘Song of Songs')! Other popular drinks include Ouzo (aniseed in taste), Zivania (a potent white spirit) and Airani (a refreshing yoghurt drink).

Religion
As with everything else in Cyprus, religion follows the green dividing line. In the north the majority are Sunni Muslims, while in the south it is the Greek Orthodox Church that rules. While Islam is considered the main religion in North Cyprus, it is not strictly adhered to and there is a relaxed attitude about attire and mosque attendance. Muslim holidays are observed, but the state is very clearly separated from the church.

Music and festivities
Cyprus also has rich music and dance traditions which, of course, are heavily influenced by Turkey and Greece, but still with its own very distinct flavour. On the Greek side, you will find violin and laouto (an instrument with four double strings) playing for the dancers. While on the Turkish side, zurna (a traditional reed instrument) is popular, with distinct sounds of the Middle East. Along with darbuka and davul, two traditional drums, one played with the hand and the other with a stick, you will often find violin.

Many of the dances are face to face and are typical in weddings. The women are dressed in colorful and richly, embroidered dresses, and the men often dress in traditional costume. Folk dances are immensely popular in Cyprus and a lot of fun to behold!

Two of the main festivals in Cyprus are worth visiting. On 28th-29th June, St Paul's Feast in Paphos is celebrated. Honouring where the apostle Paul went after leaving Jerusalem, this event sees beautiful floral parades, as fresh flowers line the streets down to the Old Harbour. Food and drink stalls are set up and everyone enjoys themselves. In September, there is a popular wine festival in Limassol. And with 10 days of free, locally-produced wine, even the wine-god Dionysus would be satisfied!