Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is an island with a rich history and a diverse culture influenced by the island’s various conquerors, colonists, and neighbors. From Middle Eastern to North African to European influence, the island is a unique blend of cultures that can be seen in its traditional music, dance, cuisine, and customs. So, let’s explore everything you need to know about Cyprus’ culture and what to expect when you visit.
Overview of Cyprus
🔷 Capital: Nicosia
🔷 Official Language(s): Greek, Turkish
🔷 Minority Languages: Armenian and Cypriot Maronite Arabic
🔷 Independence Day: Cyprus gained independence from the British rule on the 1st of October 1960
🔷 Government System: The island has been separated into two parts since the Turkish invasion in 1974.
The Republic of Cyprus, which is also the southern part is governed by a presidential system, while the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) runs under a unitary semi-presidential system.
🔷 Settlement Patterns: Due to the invasion and division, Cyprus’ two major communities (Greek and Turkish Cypriots) were displaced.
The Greek Cypriots living in the north were forced to move to the southern part while the Turkish Cypriots had to move to the north
So, today, Northern Cyprus is known as the Turkish part while Southern Cyprus is known as the Greek part.
🔷 Official Religion: Cyprus doesn’t have an official religion, but a majority of the Greek Cypriot population identifies with Greek Orthodox Christianity, while a majority of Turkish Cypriots identify as Sunni Muslims.
🔷 Currency: Euro (€), Cyprus has been part of the European Union since 2004 and the Eurozone since 2008.
🔷 Major Cities: Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos
Map of Cyprus
Cypriot Society and Identity
Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Cyprus has been conquered and colonized by numerous empires, each leaving its mark on the island’s culture.
That’s why Cyprus’ historical background is a fascinating tapestry with influences from various civilizations throughout the centuries.
Some of the civilizations that influenced the island are the Mycenaeans, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, and Ottomans.
The Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire have left an indelible mark on the country, and so has Britain, as Cyprus was a British colony for many years before gaining its independence in 1960.
This rich and diverse history has shaped the cultural heritage of Cyprus, creating a unique blend of traditions, languages, and customs that are still celebrated and cherished today.
But this has also shaped the Cypriots’ unique individuality that often doesn’t align with a specific identity. For instance, Cyprus is geographically in the Middle East but is part of the European Union.
The changes wrought by the Turkish invasion in 1974 are being updated by new waves of settlers to the island, as had occurred throughout its history.
Since the war in Ukraine and the Hamas-Israel conflict, there has been an influx of Ukrainians, Russians, and Israelis to Cyprus, further changing what had been relatively settled dynamics of the “Cyprus problem.”
Many Cypriots today don’t identify according to cultural affiliations or any particular cultural traits. Their identity is somewhere between, just like the location of the island itself!
The United Nations Buffer Zone
An interesting phenomenon in itself, in Nicosia and North Nicosia (on the Turkish Cypriot side of the border), you can walk along the “Wall” that creates the buffer zone patrolled by United Nations Peacekeeping Forces and which separates the Republic of Cyprus (southern Cyprus) from the TRNC (Northern Cyprus).
Experiencing the Culture of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots
Below you’ll see headings like language, religion, festivals, music and dance, and food. There are many ways that you can experience Cypriot culture.
Flying into Cyprus for the first time is a shock – and not a pleasant one. The southern coastline (and many parts of Northern Cyprus) are blotted with the bloated white villas of overdevelopment.
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in Cypriot culture, (and it is here, in abundance) you need to spend time away from the beach resorts where tacky souvenirs and awful tourist food vies with party boats, nightclubs, and amusement parks for your attention.
Languages in Cyprus
Language in Cyprus is a perfect example of the island’s complex historical and cultural background. The official languages are Greek and Turkish, reflecting the island’s division into Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
The majority of the population speaks Greek, but in reality, Greek Cypriots speak in a distinctive Greek dialect that is, in fact, unintelligible to speakers of Standard Modern Greek.
This is because the Greek Cypriot dialect is derived from Medieval Byzantine Greek.
Because Cyprus was cut off from the rest of the Greek-speaking world due to the Arab attacks between the 7th and 10th centuries, the island’s language evolved differently.
The influence of other conquerors and colonists, including Arabs, French, Italians, British, and Turkish, the Greek-Cypriot dialect includes words derived from other languages.
Similarly to the Greek Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriots have their own distinctive dialect known as Cypriot Turkish, which is derived from Ottoman Turkish and the Yoruk dialect spoken in southern Turkey.
Unlike the Greek Cypriot dialect, Cypriot Turkish is intelligible to speakers of Standard Turkish.
English is widely understood and spoken in Cyprus, as it was the language of administration during British rule.
Cyprus is a strong player in the financial affairs of the international community and for many companies, English is their primary language rather than Greek.
Religion in Cyprus
Religion holds a significant place in the culture of Cyprus, as it has a long history as a Christian country but also as a pilgrimage site for Muslims.
The majority of the population identifies as Greek Orthodox Church, with the Orthodox Church playing a central role in the religious and cultural life of Greek Cypriots.
For instance, Cyprus’ most national holidays and festivals are associated with religion. Some examples are Clean Monday, Easter, Monday of the Holy Spirit, and the Dormition of the Mother of God.
Turkish Cypriots, on the other hand, predominantly follow Sunni Islam, and you’ll find plenty of beautiful mosques sitting harmoniously beside Greek Orthodox churches.
The most famous mosque in Cyprus, which is also a pilgrimage site, is UNESCO World Heritage site of Hala Sultan Tekke, honoring Umm Haram, the foster sister of Muhammad’s mother.
There are many other religious communities on the island, including Maronite Christians, Armenian Orthodox Christians, and Roman Catholics.
Family Values
For the vast majority of Cypriots, the family retained its role and status as the foundation of society, and close-knit relationships are nurtured and maintained within households.
Respect for elders and strong family ties are deeply ingrained in Cypriot culture, so it’s not uncommon for people to live in multi-generational households.
Family gatherings and celebrations are important occasions where relatives come together to enjoy each other’s company with good food, drinks, and even games. Easter and the Christmas period are prioritized for family time.
Children are highly valued and often remain closely connected to their parents even after adulthood.
This emphasis on family fosters a sense of community and support, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that has become characteristic of Cypriot culture.
Hospitality in Cyprus
Hospitality is a value that derives from ancient Greece and is a fundamental part of Cypriot culture.
Cypriots are renowned for their genuine friendliness and generosity, making guests feel like part of the family.
For example, if you cold call a person in Cyprus, you will almost certainly be offered all further help whenever you should need it in the future – they are extraordinarily generous folk.
Like many countries of the Mediterranean, offering food and drink is an indispensable part of Cypriot hospitality, and it is rare to leave someone’s home without being treated to a meal or a cup of traditional Cypriot coffee.
it’s not uncommon for strangers to strike up a conversation or for locals to go out of their way to assist tourists, displaying the genuine warmth and kindness that defines Cypriot hospitality.
So, if you’re visiting Cyprus, be sure you’ll experience this welcoming at your hotel and every restaurant, with the host often treating you to a shot of zivania, wine, or a local sweet.
Cypriot Cuisine
Cypriot cuisine is an excellent example of the island’s diverse culture, as it is renowned for its delectable fusion of Mediterranean flavors and influences.
Generally, Cypriot cuisine is characterized by fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as olive oil, herbs, vegetables, and cheeses.
Usually, most traditional Cypriot dishes feature lamb and pork cooked over charcoal, which gives a characteristic smoky flavor.
Island Cyprus offers mouthwatering seafood dishes, including octopus in wine sauce and grilled squid.
Cyprus has plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including flavorful lentils with rice, okra in tomato sauce, and black-eyed beans with courgettes.
A popular way to experience the mouthwatering Cypriot cuisine is going for meze at a traditional tavern. Meze is a style of dining where a variety of small dishes are served.
Traditional Festivals
Another excellent way to experience Cyprus’ vibrant culture is through festivals that are an integral part of the island’s rich history, religious customs, and agricultural heritage.
One of the most anticipated events is the Limassol Carnival, a vibrant and colorful affair featuring parades, costumes, music, and dancing.
The festival has its roots in ancient Greece and the celebration of God Dionysus.
As in Greece, Easter is a big deal in Cyprus, where locals participate in age-old traditions such as candle-lit processions and the cracking of red-dyed eggs, symbolizing the rebirth and renewal of life.
Another festival derived from religion is Kataklysmos, also known as the Festival of the Flood. It is a summer celebration of water where coastal cities host events such as boat races, fishing competitions, and water-based games.
Lastly, as Cyprus is an agricultural country, harvest festivals have been part of its culture since ancient times.
These include the Wine Festival in Limassol and the Cherry Festival on the Troodos Mountains which showcase the island’s bountiful produce, with locals and visitors coming together to enjoy traditional music, dance, and food and wines.
Music and Dance
Cyprus’ traditional music and dance have Greek and Middle Eastern influences, much like the rest of the island’s cultural heritage.
Some instruments that are part of Cyprus’ traditional music are the laouto (a lute), the tambouras (a three-stringed instrument), the tamboutsia (a frame drum), the pithkiavlin (a flute), and the violin.
One of the most iconic traditional songs in Cyprus is the wedding song, “Ora Kali,” which is played during the preparation of the bride or the groom before the wedding.
When it comes to traditional dances in Cyprus, the most well-known are Tatsia, Drepani, and O Horos tis Kouzas, which showcase the Cypriots’ lifestyle, and the island’s history, diversity, and agricultural heritage.
You can witness these vibrant dance traditions at local taverns or during cultural events and festivals.
Agriculture and Village Products
Lacework, ceramics, basket weaving, spoon sweets, halloumi, beekeeping, orchard and animal tending, grape growing and harvesting, olive oil pressing, and religious icon painting are just some of the many traditional practices and arts and crafts that are kept alive in Cypriot villages.
