Northern Cyprus has many keen and talented artists. Most of the galleries are in Lefkosa, but there are workshops, which present their work in Girne. Please phone the galleries to find out whose work is currently being shown.

Numerous books written about Northern Cyprus can be found in bookshops around the island, For free information, please apply to the Ministry of Tourism. Tel: + 90 392 227 7194 - 228 1106 - 228 9629

For Turkish Cypriots, family life is of ultimate importance and therefore a great amount of their free time is spent at family gatherings, barbeques and weddings. Turkish Cypriots are highly sociable and like to go out, see people and be seen. All towns and even some villages hold festivals usually in the early summer. For information about these festivals and other events please contact the Ministry of Tourism.

The culture of a place is always reflected in its kitchen, and Northern Cyprus is no exception, Cypriot cooking, like its people is unique. A typical Turkish, or Turkish Cypriot restaurant meal consists of meze, kebabs(lamb or chicken) or fish, followed by fruit and coffee. Meze is a selection of hot and cold appetizers. Cypriot home cooking s different and is only found in a handful of restaurants in Northern Cyprus, so you will have to look out for them. Probably the most famous of Cypriot culinary specialities is hellim cheese. This full-fat soft cheese is made from whole goat's milk, salt and a touch of mint. It is typically served with salads, cucumber or melon. It also makes an excellent side dish, as well as fried or grilled topping. Another speciality is molehiya, a green leafy vegetable which grows only in Cyprus and on the banks of the Nile. It is usually cooked with chicken or meat and is delicious and wholesome. Another interesting vegetable, unknown outside Cyprus is Kolokas, a root vegetable which when cooked(again with lamb or chicken) has the texture of potato but a sweeter taste. Cypriots have two kind of unique kebabs and both of them can be found quite easily in restaurants. One is Kup kebab(lamb or goat)wrapped in foil with potatoes and herbs and cooked for hours in a clay oven. The other is sheftali kebabs, which are small spicy and sausage like. They are skewered and cooked over hot charcoal. Of course you will want a drink with your meal. Turkish wines are a great favorite with the meal, but there are locally produced drinks too. There are Turkish Cypriot beers, raki and brandy. One favorite amongst visitors, usually as an aperatif, is brandy sour, a cocktail made with brandy, lemon juice and angostura bitters. For those who prefer something non-alchoholic, there is some home-made lemonnade called limonata.

Since 1974 folk dancing has been promoted by the state, municipalities and local groups as an important symbol of our national identity, culture and history.

Cyprus is the 3rd largest Island in the Mediterranean and is 65 km away from Turkey`s southern coast. Other neighbouring countries are Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Greece. Since the division of Cyprus in 1974 the Turkish Cypriots have lived in the northern part of the island while Greek Cypriots live in the south.

Lefkara embroidery and lace is an old Cypriot tradition going back countless generations. Young and old women still produce the beautiful and intricate bed covers, table cloths, doilies and head-scarves. Carpet weaving is another age-old Cypriot tradition and is mostly found in the Famagusta region. Kilims (small floor rugs) generally with colorful striped designs with colorful striped patterns make ideal souvenirs or gifts. Wicker basket weaving is another Cypriot art form that is popular with tourists who tend to buy the colorful flat baskets (sale, in Turkish) to use as wall decoration.

This publication contains some historical information about Northern Cyprus. Should you however require some more detailed literature on the subject please contact the Ministry of Tourism or the Tourist Information Offices, which are located in all major towns, who will be happy to furnish you with whatever information you need.

National Archieves and Research Centre, Kyrenia Tel: 815 2156 American Centre, Nicosia Tel: 227 4938 British Council, Nicosia Tel: 227 4938 Ataturk Cultural Centre, Nicosia Tel: 228 3257 Sultan Mahmut Library, Kyrenia Tel: 815 8631 there are also libraries at the universities in Kyrenia, Nicosia, Famagusta and Lefke.

This publication contains some information on this subject, but if you require more detailed information please ask at you local Tourist Information Office.
Museum visiting hours and entrance fees are shown below.

The majority of the Turkish Cypriots are Moslem and although very few regularly attend mosque services or wear religious attire, they do celebrate religious festivals.