Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Multiculturalism
Although immensely hospitable people by nature, some Cypriots regard outsiders with a
slight caution and wariness, perhaps understandably so given the island's long history of
occupation and struggle for independence.
Patriotism is a strong force in people's identity. In the North, some Turkish Cypriots
define settlers from mainland Turkey as outsiders and make a clear definition between the
two. Similarly in the South, for a small number of locals, especially those who have never
left the island, even expatriates and second-generation Cypriots from the UK, US, Canada
and Australia are considered to be
xeni
(foreigners).
Both sides of the island have had an influx of foreign migrants over the past decade.
North Cyprus' universities have attracted a large number of foreign students, many of
which have stayed on to work afterwards, while in the South a growing number of manual
and service jobs are filled by migrant workers. This swift multicultural transformation has
greatly changed the face of the island's population. Combine this with the lasting 'British-
ness' that remains from the island's colonial past and from its present-day reliance on tour-
ism and, rightly or wrongly, many locals feel bombarded by outsiders.
Much of the worry stems from the gradual loss of traditional lifestyle and culture. While
this has caused some consternation and resentment, this expanded diversity has been wel-
comed by others, especially those Cypriots who have travelled and studied abroad.
Gradually most Cypriots are recognising the trend in their society towards greater multi-
culturalism. Indeed, this is reflected in the increasing number of Cypriots who are marrying
foreigners (14% of marriages), particularly Europeans and Russians (many of whom be-
long to the Orthodox Church), creating a new generation of multicultural Cypriots. This
phenomenon suggests that if racial and cultural barriers do linger - as some suspect they do
- then their influence is diminishing.
This hangover of insularity is more than balanced by a natural tendency of hospitality to-
wards guests. Most visitors to the island will find the Cypriots they meet to be amazingly
friendly, welcoming and kind regardless of whether they live in cities, villages or less-de-
veloped areas.
SUMMER SOUVLA
A favourite Cypriot pastime is enjoying a
souvla
(spit-roast) that's been roasting for hours over burning coals. It's
especially fine on the beach. There's the joke that a Cypriot's favourite vehicle is a pick-up truck, because 20
chairs, a table and all the barbecue equipment can fit into the tray when the family heads out for the weekend.
