The Book Scene in North Cyprus

Category: Culture • Literature • Bookshops • Libraries • History • Family Activities

For many visitors, North Cyprus is known for its beaches, castles and sunshine. But beyond the tourist attractions lies a surprisingly rich literary and reading culture. Historic bookshops, modern libraries, independent authors, university publishers and a growing community of readers have created a vibrant book scene that continues to evolve.

Whether you're searching for your next holiday read, exploring the island's history through books, discovering local authors or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon in a traditional bookshop, North Cyprus offers plenty for book lovers.

A Rich Literary Heritage

Cyprus has inspired writers, poets and historians for thousands of years. The island's strategic position between Europe, Asia and Africa has shaped countless stories covering:

• Ancient civilisations

• Crusaders and medieval kingdoms

• Ottoman rule

• British colonial history

• Village life

• Archaeology

• Wildlife

• Travel

• Politics

• Modern fiction

Today, both Turkish Cypriot and international authors continue to write about the island's unique culture, history and landscapes.

Historic Bookshops

Rüstem Bookshop

One of the most fascinating places for any book lover is Rüstem Kitabevi in the old walled city of North Nicosia. Founded in 1937, it is the oldest continuously operating bookshop on the island and has long been regarded as one of Cyprus' most important cultural institutions. Originally serving British residents and travellers, it later became a meeting place for writers, academics and intellectuals. Today, visitors can browse thousands of new and second-hand books in several languages while enjoying the building's historic atmosphere. The beautifully restored building also houses:

• A courtyard café

• Exhibition space

• Small restaurant

• Publishing imprint

• Regular cultural events

For many visitors, simply wandering through its towering bookshelves is an attraction in itself.

Independent Bookshops

North Cyprus is also home to several independent bookshops serving local readers, students and visitors.

Popular examples include:

• Işık Bookstore in Lefkoşa, offering Turkish and international titles.

• Best Seller Book Store in Doğanköy, with English-language fiction, travel books and children's titles.

• Best Seller Book Shop in Alsancak, serving the western Kyrenia region.

These stores are excellent places to discover books about Cyprus, novels by local writers and practical guides for visitors.

English-Language Books

Thanks to North Cyprus' large expatriate community and thriving tourism industry, English-language books are widely available.

Visitors can often find:

• Best-selling novels

• Crime fiction

• Historical fiction

• Travel guides

• Walking guides

• Children's books

• Cookbooks

• Local history

• Maps

Many hotels and cafés also operate informal book exchange shelves where visitors can leave a finished book and choose another to read.

Books About North Cyprus

Many visitors enjoy learning more about the island through books.

Popular subjects include:

• Ancient Cyprus

• Byzantine churches

• Crusader castles

• Ottoman architecture

• Wildlife

• Birds of Cyprus

• Walking routes

• Traditional recipes

• Village history

• Archaeology

• Turkish Cypriot culture

These make excellent souvenirs and help visitors explore the island beyond its beaches.

Local Authors

North Cyprus has a growing community of writers producing work in both Turkish and English.

Subjects range from:

• Contemporary fiction

• Memoirs

• Poetry

• Historical research

• Photography books

• Local biographies

• Travel writing

Independent publishing has also become increasingly important, allowing local authors to reach international audiences through print-on-demand and digital publishing.

Libraries

North Cyprus is home to several impressive libraries that support education, research and public reading.

Near East University Grand Library

Near East University Grand Library is one of the largest academic libraries in the Eastern Mediterranean, providing extensive printed collections alongside millions of digital resources for students and researchers.

National Library

The National Library of Northern Cyprus, established in 1958, preserves an extensive collection of books, manuscripts and publications relating to the island's history and culture.

University Libraries

Several universities maintain excellent libraries that contribute to the island's academic life, including:

• Cyprus International University Library

• Özay Oral Library at Eastern Mediterranean University

These libraries regularly host exhibitions, reading events and academic conferences.

Reading Culture

Reading remains an important part of everyday life in North Cyprus.

You'll often see people reading:

• In cafés

• Along Kyrenia Harbour

• On beaches

• In village squares

• In university campuses

• In hotel gardens

Many cafés encourage visitors to relax with a book over Turkish coffee or tea, creating a slower pace of life that many holidaymakers appreciate.

Literary Events

Although smaller than those in many European countries, the literary calendar in North Cyprus continues to grow.

Events include:

• Author talks

• Book launches

• Poetry readings

• University lectures

• Library Week celebrations

• School reading programmes

• Cultural exhibitions

International literary festivals on the island also bring together writers, poets and translators from across the region.

Publishing in North Cyprus

Local publishers produce books covering a wide range of subjects, including:

• History

• Archaeology

• Tourism

• Wildlife

• Academic research

• Children's literature

• Photography

• Local culture

Digital publishing has made it easier than ever for independent authors to share their work with readers around the world.

Perfect Places to Read

North Cyprus offers countless peaceful places to enjoy a good book.

Popular locations include:

• Kyrenia Harbour cafés

• Bellapais Village

• Alagadi Beach

• Karpaz Peninsula

• Hotel gardens

• Mountain viewpoints

• Beach clubs

• Boutique hotel terraces

Many visitors describe North Cyprus as the perfect destination to slow down, relax and rediscover the pleasure of reading.

Book Exchanges

One of the charming features of North Cyprus is the number of informal book exchanges found in:

• Hotels

• Apartment complexes

• Cafés

• Community centres

• Expat clubs

Holidaymakers often leave books they've finished, creating ever-changing collections of novels in several languages.

Great Books to Read Before Visiting

If you're planning a trip, consider reading books about:

• Cyprus' ancient history

• The Crusader period

• Traditional Cypriot cooking

• Wildlife and birds

• Walking guides

• Historical fiction set on the island

• Travel memoirs

Reading before your holiday often adds extra depth to visits to castles, monasteries and archaeological sites.

Perfect Souvenirs

Books make excellent souvenirs from North Cyprus.

Popular choices include:

• Local history books

• Photography collections

• Traditional recipe books

• Wildlife guides

• Walking guides

• Children's stories

• Poetry collections

• Historical novels set in Cyprus

Unlike many souvenirs, a good book continues to bring back memories long after your holiday has ended.

Who Is It Best For?

Book Lovers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Historic bookshops, local authors and peaceful reading spots make North Cyprus an unexpectedly rewarding destination.

Families

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Libraries, children's books and storytelling events provide enjoyable activities for younger readers.

History Enthusiasts

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An excellent range of books explores the island's fascinating past, from antiquity to the modern day.

Writers

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

The island's relaxed atmosphere, inspiring scenery and welcoming cafés make it an appealing place to write, reflect and create.

Top Tips

• Visit Rüstem Kitabevi early to enjoy the bookshop and café before it gets busy.

• Look for locally published books—you'll often find titles unavailable elsewhere.

• Support independent bookshops by purchasing directly from them.

• Check university noticeboards for public lectures and literary events during your visit.

• Bring a book to enjoy in one of the island's many quiet coastal cafés or gardens.

Why Explore the Book Scene in North Cyprus?

North Cyprus may not be the first destination that comes to mind for book lovers, but that is precisely what makes it such a delightful surprise. Historic bookshops, welcoming independent bookstores, outstanding university libraries and a growing community of writers all contribute to a literary culture that is quietly flourishing.

Whether you're hunting for a rare history book, discovering a local author, enjoying a coffee surrounded by shelves of books or simply reading beside the Mediterranean Sea, the island offers a rewarding experience for anyone who loves literature. It's an activity that encourages visitors to slow down, explore more deeply and connect with the stories that have shaped North Cyprus for centuries.