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Ozanköy Pekmez Festival

The Ozanköy Pekmez Festival, North Cyprus – A Celebration of Tradition, Culture and Carob Heritage

Nestled on the eastern edge of Girne, the picturesque village of Ozanköy is home to one of North Cyprus's most popular cultural events: the Ozanköy Pekmez Festival. Held annually, this vibrant festival celebrates the production of pekmez (traditional molasses syrup), the region's agricultural heritage, and the enduring importance of the carob tree, known locally as harnup. Over the years, the festival has grown from a local village gathering into a major cultural event attracting visitors from across North Cyprus and abroad.


What is Pekmez?

Pekmez is a thick, dark syrup traditionally produced by slowly boiling fruit juices until they become concentrated. Throughout the Mediterranean, pekmez is commonly made from grapes, figs or mulberries. In North Cyprus, however, pekmez is most closely associated with the carob tree.


Carob pods are harvested, crushed and processed into a sweet syrup that has been used for centuries as both a food and natural sweetener. Before the widespread availability of refined sugar, pekmez was one of the most important sources of sweetness in Cypriot households.


The History of Carob in Cyprus

The carob tree has played a significant role in Cyprus's economy for hundreds of years. During the late Ottoman and British colonial periods, carob exports became one of the island's most valuable agricultural industries.


Often referred to as "Black Gold," carob was exported throughout Europe and the Middle East. Along the North Cyprus coastline, many historic carob warehouses still survive, serving as reminders of the wealth generated by the trade.


The Ozanköy Pekmez Festival was established to preserve awareness of this important agricultural tradition and to encourage the continued cultivation of carob trees and production of traditional pekmez.


When is the Festival Held?

The festival is usually held over a three-day weekend during late August or early September, although dates can vary from year to year. Most years feature three days of activities, entertainment, food stalls and cultural performances.


Location

The festival takes place in Ozanköy Village, located approximately 4 kilometres east of Girne.

The event is typically centred around:

  • Dr. Fazıl Küçük Avenue

  • The village centre

  • Festival grounds established by the municipality

Depending on the year's programme, some events may also be spread throughout the village.


What Can Visitors Expect?


Traditional Pekmez Demonstrations

One of the festival's highlights is the opportunity to watch traditional pekmez production methods.

Visitors can see demonstrations showing:

  • Carob processing

  • Traditional boiling methods

  • Syrup preparation

  • Historic farming techniques

These demonstrations help preserve knowledge that has been passed down through generations.


Food and Drink Stalls

The festival is a paradise for food lovers.

Typical offerings include:

  • Carob syrup

  • Carob sweets

  • Pekmez desserts

  • Traditional Cypriot pastries

  • Local cheeses

  • Village breads

  • Fresh produce

  • Homemade preserves

  • Traditional drinks including şira

Many local producers use the festival to showcase their products and recipes.


Handicrafts and Artisan Products

Visitors can browse stalls selling:

  • Handmade ceramics

  • Traditional embroidery

  • Woodwork

  • Jewellery

  • Silk art

  • Local crafts

The festival serves as an important marketplace for local artisans and small businesses.


Music, Dance and Entertainment

The Ozanköy Pekmez Festival is renowned for its lively entertainment programme.

Typical performances include:

  • Turkish Cypriot folk dancing

  • International cultural groups

  • Choirs

  • Traditional music ensembles

  • Modern bands

  • Popular Turkish performers

  • Street entertainment

Evening concerts are often among the festival's most attended events.


Competitions and Cultural Events

The festival regularly hosts competitions designed to celebrate local culinary traditions.

Popular events include:


Pekmez Dessert Competition

Local residents and amateur bakers compete using pekmez as a key ingredient.

Winning recipes often showcase creative uses of traditional ingredients while preserving authentic Cypriot flavours.


Educational Presentations

Previous festivals have included talks on:

  • The health benefits of pekmez

  • Carob cultivation

  • Agricultural heritage

  • Environmental conservation

  • Local history

These presentations help educate younger generations about the importance of preserving traditional practices.


Supporting Local Agriculture

Beyond entertainment, the festival serves an important economic purpose.

Its objectives include:

  • Promoting Ozanköy as a tourist destination

  • Supporting local producers

  • Encouraging carob cultivation

  • Preserving traditional food production

  • Creating economic value for local agricultural products

Municipal leaders have repeatedly highlighted the importance of maintaining carob production and increasing awareness of the tree's significance to Cypriot heritage.


The Importance of the Carob Tree

The festival continually highlights the environmental and economic importance of the carob tree.

Carob trees are:

  • Drought-resistant

  • Long-lived

  • Well suited to Cyprus's climate

  • Beneficial for soil conservation

  • Valuable for wildlife

Several festival editions have included tree-planting initiatives and the distribution of carob saplings to encourage future cultivation.


Why Visit the Ozanköy Pekmez Festival?

The festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience authentic Turkish Cypriot village life.

Reasons to visit include:

Whether you are interested in food, history, culture or simply enjoying a lively community celebration, the Ozanköy Pekmez Festival provides one of the most authentic festival experiences in North Cyprus.


Visitor Tips

  • Arrive early for easier parking.

  • Bring cash for local stalls.

  • Wear comfortable footwear for walking around the village.

  • Stay into the evening to enjoy the concerts.

  • Try several different pekmez-based products.

  • Bring a camera as the village atmosphere is particularly photogenic during festival days.

Frequently Asked Questions


Q.What does "pekmez" mean?

A.Pekmez is a thick syrup produced by boiling fruit juices, commonly made from carob in North Cyprus.


Q. Is the festival suitable for children?

A. Yes. The festival is family-friendly and includes entertainment suitable for all ages.


Q. Is there an entrance fee?

A. Most festival activities are traditionally free to attend, although some attractions may vary from year to year.


Q. What is harnup?

A. Harnup is the Turkish Cypriot name for the carob tree.


Q. Can I buy local products at the festival?

A. Yes. Many local producers and artisans sell their products throughout the event.

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