A living culture
Discover Turkish Cypriot culture
From folk dancing and handcrafts to village life and the table: explore traditions kept alive in Northern Cyprus.
For readers exploring the traditions maintained by the Turkish Cypriot community within the island’s shared history. Practices vary by family, village and generation; food, music and crafts also connect with neighbouring cultures.
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Culture guides
Children in traditional costumes preparing for a show in Dereboyu, Nicosia, 2012
Turkish Cypriot folk dances: karşılama, sirto and zeybek
Learn dance names, the relationship between music and movement, and respectful ways to watch a performance.
Cypriot handicrafts: Lefkara embroidery, Lapta work and plant weaving
Explore handmade work through materials, techniques and thoughtful questions for its makers.
Two cups of Turkish coffee · A coffee example; it does not depict a specific Cypriot home, wedding or holiday.
Visiting in Cyprus: coffee, neighbours, holidays and weddings
Approach daily culture with curiosity and ask your hosts about their preferences.
Learning Cypriot culture: villages, songs, stories and festivals
Listen to people and production stories rather than approaching heritage only as a spectator.
Discover culture at the table
Get to know Turkish Cypriot food through molehiya, şeftali kebabı, kolokas, magarına bulli and traditional sweets.
Molehiya leaves (Corchorus olitorius) · An ingredient example, not a prepared dish or a photograph taken in Cyprus.
Molehiya: a leaf dish from Turkish Cypriot home cooking
Meet molehiya through summer-dried leaves, family recipes, meat-free variations and its place at the local table.
Şeftali kebab: Cypriot grilling, without the peach
Discover a familiar Turkish Cypriot kebab through its minced filling, caul-fat wrapping and ways of serving it.
Learning about a culture
Ask with curiosity
Listen to how a dish, pattern or dance is maintained in each family and community.
Ask before sharing
Request permission before taking photos or video at performances, workshops and private gatherings.
Confirm the programme
Check dates, participation and visitor conditions with the organiser of a show or workshop.