Cyprus Culture 2

Cyprus Culture

East meets west, and probably the south too. Thus is the combination of the culture such that of Cyprus. This country is becoming the melting pot in this side of the Mediterranean. The meeting of different cultures that make up the Cyprus culture is one amalgamation that is truly one of a kind.

Cyprus culture being a combination of both the Greeks and the Turkish and some other groups is a distinct characteristic that defines this beautiful country. These same cultures are also what define the Cypriots and actually had divided them for the longest time in Cyprus' history. Religion, being one of the aspects of Cyprus culture is also one that is greatly divided among the Turkish who are generally Sunni Muslims and the Greeks who are all believers of the Greek Orthodox Church. The famous "Green Line" divides the country since some thirty years ago and has determined which part of Cyprus is greatly dominated by Muslims and Greek Orthodox respectively.

Nevertheless Cypriots are truly proud of their roots both the Greeks and Turkish. Though for a time both the dominant peoples (Greeks are actually more dominant than the Turkish) believed that they came from their respective motherlands. For instance the Greek majority felt that they are really Greeks who happened to reside in Cyprus. The Turkish minority feels the same way too. Thus it has been the source of constant struggle for both groups that has truly affected the country and became the unwilling victim of this hullabaloo.

Beyond all the turmoil that besets the country until today, the intricate and lavish ceremonies that are performed during special occasions are fitting reminders of the richness of the Cyprus culture. Among the Turkish Cypriots wedding rituals, feast days, and even the coming of a newborn are given considerable attention and time. All of which are held their most grand and spectacular ways. The ultimate and distinctive feature of Turkish minority's elaborate custom is actually a showcase of their famed hospitality. Guests are treated according the status in the society to which they belong as well as their age. More often than not, guests are served with only the best tasting coffee or delicious sherbets as a show of hospitality.

The Greek Cypriots on the other hand have their own way of staging Carnival and other folk tradition such as the Kataklysmos, which is also known as the "Festival of the Flood". The Carnival is held 50 days just before the Easter of the Greek Orthodox Church is celebrated.

Cyprus is not only about customs and old-age traditions. Is also about the rich art, music and dances. All these have contributed to a rich culture that can make Cypriots—both the Greeks and Turkish---proud.