Society, Culture & History

Fruit Picking in North Cyprus: A Seasonal Guide to the Island’s Freshest Produce 🍊 Fruit Picking in North Cyprus: An Island Tradition Fruit picking is one of the most authentic and enjoyable ways to experience rural life in North Cyprus. Thanks to the island’s warm climate, long growing season, and rich agricultural heritage, the TRNC produces an abundance of fresh fruit year-round. Whether you’re visiting for a holiday or living here full-time, exploring local orchards and

National Holidays in North Cyprus in 2026 The National holidays in 2026 for North Cyprus are:   Date Weekday Holiday Jan 1 Thursday New Year’s Day Mar 20 Friday Ramazan Bayramı (End of Ramadan) Mar 21 Saturday Ramazan Bayram Holiday – Day 2 Mar 22 Sunday Ramazan Bayram Holiday – Day 3 Apr 23 Thursday National Sovereignty and Children’s Day / Children’s Day May 1 Friday Labour Day May 19 Tuesday Youth & Sports Day May 27 Wednsday Kurban Bayramı (Feast of Sacrifice) – Day 1 May

A typical Beyram celebration meal in North Cyprus Bayram Celebrations in North Cyprus 2026–2027 Your Complete Guide to Şeker Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı By What’s On In TRNC ________________________________________________________ 🌙 What Is Bayram? In North Cyprus, the word Bayram  (sometimes spelled “Beyram”) means festival  or feast — and there are two main Bayrams  celebrated every year: ·         Ramazan Bayramı (Şeker Bayramı / Eid al-Fitr):  marks the end of the holy m

Traditional Stone Wall Building in North Cyprus Discover the ancient art of dry-stone walling and how it continues to shape the Cypriot landscape. 🏰 A Heritage of Strength and Beauty Traditional stone wall building is one of the most iconic forms of Cypriot craftsmanship — a skill passed down through generations. Across North Cyprus, you’ll find villages, terraces, and old farm boundaries built entirely from local limestone or sandstone, stacked carefully without the use of

Discovering Art Galleries in North Cyprus: A Cultural Journey North Cyprus is not just about sunlit beaches, historic ruins, and tranquil villages. Its art scene is dynamic, rich, and increasingly recognised by both locals and visitors. From hidden galleries tucked away in old quarters to restored heritage buildings now serving as art hubs, there’s a lot to explore. If you’re an art lover, traveller or collector, this guide will help you discover the best art galleries in Nor

Cittaslow in North Cyprus — slow down, taste more, live better A guide to the Slow City movement in the TRNC, the towns that wear it, and how to experience them. What is Cittaslow (the idea, briefly) Cittaslow — Italian for “slow city” — is an international movement born from the Slow Food philosophy. It recognises small towns that protect local culture, favour sustainable development, promote quality food and crafts, and aim for a calmer pace of life. Membership means a town

Charities in Northern Cyprus — who’s helping, how they work, and how you can get involved 💖 The small island, big heart Northern Cyprus supports a lively network of charities, volunteer groups and NGOs working on everything from child welfare and refugee support to animal rescue, environmental protection and arts & cultural inclusion. Because of the island’s unique political status and a mix of local and international actors, many charities operate in close partnership with

Funerals in North Cyprus are marked by respect, simplicity, and strong cultural and religious traditions. Whether you're a resident, expat, or visitor, understanding how burials and funerals are carried out can provide important insight into Turkish Cypriot society and help you navigate a difficult time should you ever need to. This article offers a comprehensive look at the customs, laws, and procedures around funerals and burials in TRNC, including Islamic traditions, optio

North Cyprus LGBTQ+ Scene Legal and Social Landscape Decriminalization: Male same-sex activity was decriminalized in Northern Cyprus in February 2014, making it the last European territory to do so. Prior to that, colonial-era laws imposed prison terms up to five years. Female homosexuality had never been criminalized. Anti-Discrimination Progress Alongside decriminalization, anti-discrimination laws were established to address workplace and public sphere protections, includ

On August 16, 1960, Cyprus officially became an independent republic, ending centuries of foreign rule. However, the dream of a unified and peaceful nation was quickly challenged. Internal divisions, political tension, and the involvement of foreign powers created a turbulent environment. The period between independence and 1974 is one of the most chaotic chapters in Cypriot history. Birth of the Republic The Republic of Cyprus was established under the Zurich-London Agreemen

British Rule in Cyprus – Colonial Legacy and National Awakening In 1878, Cyprus entered a new era under British administration, marking the beginning of nearly a century of colonial rule. This period transformed the island's infrastructure, legal system, and political aspirations—ultimately laying the foundations for its independence and modern identity. The British Take Control Following the Russo-Turkish War, the Ottoman Empire agreed to lease Cyprus to Britain in exchange

Ottoman Cyprus – Empire, Faith, and Coexistence When the Ottoman Empire captured Cyprus in 1571, the island transitioned from Venetian stronghold to Muslim imperial territory. This marked the longest continuous period of foreign rule in Cypriot history, spanning more than three centuries. Ottoman governance reshaped land ownership, religious life, and the ethnic makeup of the island. The Ottoman Conquest The fall of Famagusta in 1571 signaled the official start of Ottoman rul

Venetian Cyprus – Fortress Island on the Edge of Empire In 1489, the Republic of Venice assumed control of Cyprus, ending the Lusignan monarchy and ushering in a final era of Western dominance before the Ottoman conquest. The Venetian period was marked by military fortification, economic restructuring, and growing anxiety over the looming threat from the expanding Ottoman Empire. Transition of Power Queen Catherine Cornaro, the last monarch of Cyprus and a Venetian by birth,

Lusignan Cyprus – Crusader Kings and Medieval Splendor Following its capture by Richard the Lionheart in 1191 during the Third Crusade, Cyprus was sold to the Knights Templar and then transferred to Guy de Lusignan, a French noble and former king of Jerusalem. Thus began the Lusignan Kingdom, a period of feudal rule, Gothic cathedrals, and cross-cultural interaction lasting nearly 300 years. Establishment of the Lusignan Dynasty The Lusignan family established a Latin-style f

Byzantine Cyprus – Faith, Fortresses, and Transformation (330–1191 AD) With the division of the Roman Empire in 330 AD, Cyprus became part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. This transition marked a new era defined by Christian dominance, administrative reform, and resilience through invasions and natural disasters. Early Christianisation and Ecclesiastical Autonomy Christianity became the dominant religion in Cyprus by the 4th century. The island was declared an autoce

Cyprus in the Roman Empire – Legacy of an Ancient Power After centuries of Hellenistic influence, Cyprus underwent another transformative era when it was annexed by Rome in 30 BC. This period marked over three centuries of peace, prosperity, and infrastructural development under the vast and powerful Roman Empire. Roman Annexation and Governance Cyprus officially became a Roman province after the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium. Augustus, Rome’s fi

The Classical and Hellenistic Periods (480–30 BC) Cyprus, positioned at the crossroads of great empires, saw profound transformation during the Classical and Hellenistic periods. These centuries were marked by intense cultural flourishing, philosophical exchanges, and increasing imperial entanglements that set the tone for the island’s integration into the wider Mediterranean world. Greek Influence and City-Kingdoms By the Classical period (480–323 BC), Cyprus was heavily inf

The Age of Copper and Bronze Cyprus's strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean made it a vital crossroads of ancient civilizations. After its earliest prehistoric period, the island entered a transformative era marked by technological advances, trade, and cultural exchange—ushering in the Chalcolithic (Copper Age) and Bronze Age. The Chalcolithic Period (c. 3900–2500 BCE) The transition from stone to metal began around 3900 BCE, as Cypriots started using copper for too

🏺 Prehistoric Cyprus: The Island’s Earliest Inhabitants Introduction. Long before castles, empires, and religious monuments, Cyprus was already home to humans. The island’s rich and fascinating prehistory stretches back to the 9th millennium BCE , placing it among the earliest inhabited regions in the Eastern Mediterranean. This article explores how the first settlers arrived, how they lived, and what traces of their world still remain. 🌍 The First Settlers: Cyprus in the N

Discover the history of Vounous Cemetery 🗿 History & Excavations Looting & rescue digs  (1931–32): Local police seized looted Red‑Polished pottery sold in Kyrenia, prompting initial excavations by Porphyrios Dikaios (Cyprus Museum), who unearthed around 48 graves. Further excavations  (1933, 1937–38): Claude Schaeffer of the French National Museum and James R. Stewart (British School at Athens) continued the work, uncovering tombs up to around 164. 🪦 Roman Rock‑Cut Tombs Th