Turkish Cypriot Culture

The Cyprus culture is a rich and varied one with strong influences from Turkey and the surrounding Mediterranean countries.

Between Turkish Cypriots, family life is very important, so they spend most of their free time with family gatherings, picnics, barbeques and weddings. People in Northern Cyprus are very sociable and like to go out. All towns have local cafes where people sit and chat in a warm atmosphere. They also arrange festivals especially in the beginning of summer.

Turkish Cypriot Family

The Turkish Cypriot family structure is that of the ex tender family which consists of three generations of people living close to eacother. The influence of the family on individuals is immeasurable. Although our island has undergone many social changes in recent times, the traditional family structure in Cyprus remains the same. Turkish Cypriot families are patriarchal and male dominance is the norm. Men are expected to provide for the family while women are responsible for housework and childcare. If men do assist with household chores it is viewed as a bonus.

Weddings

Weddings in North Cyprus are mammoth family events. Aunts, uncles and cousins and cousins join in the wedding preparations to ensure that the couple have the best day possible. The extended family usually provides the couple with a furnished place in which to live. The house or apartment is usually provided by the groom's family undertakes the interior decoration, furnishings and electrical appliances. This tradition in Cyprus enables a young couple to enter married life without any major worries. Parents are frequent visitors at their children's homes and usually continue to provide financial and emotional support.

In North Cyprus community, family comes first. Marriages usually need the approval of the family to succeed. Harsh as this may sound, it is difficult to live happily in a community which places such high value on the family unit without their approval of the spouse. Approval is given when parents have researched the family, education and social status of the eligible partner. Child's happiness is also important in Cyprus.

Family Gatherings

Religious festivals are another important family event. Long lost cousins and distant family members gather together to eat, drink and laugh together. Children are treated to new clothes for these festivals and receive large gifts of money to spend as they wish. Food is the main focus of family gatherings at Bayram and everyone contributes by cooking savouries and desserts to share with one another. In fact the kitchen table is the heart of the family home in North Cyprus. People in Cyprus enjoy eating together and there is never a shortage of food in the home. Women usually cook more than the necessary amount of food in case an unexpected member of the family or a friend visit.

North Cyprus Folk Dancing

From the beginning of establishment of Northern Cyprus folk dancing has been performed by locals, municipalities, states as an important symbol of our national culture, identity, and history.