Literature in Northern Cyprus

Literature, especially poetry, has a rich heritage in Northern Cyprus. The cultural fabric of this island is deeply woven into the deep-rooted tradition of Turkish literature and the historical fabric of Cyprus.

Cyprus' poet tradition begins with early poets such as Kaytazzade Mehmet Nazım. During this period, one of the Ottoman sultans, II. Important figures such as Hasan Hilmi Efendi, whom Mahmud admired, are also included. However, since these poets were generally identified with the Ottoman Empire and the Islamic world, they were not included in a separate category within Turkish Cypriot literature.

In the modern period, with the widespread use of the Latin alphabet, the works of poets such as Nazif Süleyman Ebeoğlu, Urkiye Mine Balman and Engin Gönül came to the fore. During this period, nationalist poetry movements shaped by the political and cultural texture of Cyprus also gained strength. On the other hand, poets such as Özker Yaşın, Osman Türkay and Nevzat Yalçın added diversity to Turkish Cypriot literature by coming to the fore with different styles.

In the 1970s, nationalism was replaced by the concept of Cypriotness. During this period, "1974 generation poets" emerged under the leadership of poets such as Mehmet Yaşın, Hakkı Yücel, Nice Denizoğlu. This generation differed from previous nationalist poetry movements by emphasizing the independence of Cyprus. At the same time, feminist elements were also reflected in poetry along with the effects of feminism in this period.

The literary richness of Cyprus is not limited to poetry only. The oral literature tradition is especially enriched with poems and tales. Manias have been a part of traditional entertainment from past to present, and have attracted attention especially with their themes of love and traditional life. The tales reflect the unique cultural and historical elements of Cyprus, bearing traces of their counterparts in Anatolia and Turkmenistan.

The literature of Northern Cyprus is a cultural mirror. The tradition of poetry and oral literature will continue to be passed on to future generations, reflecting the complex and colorful history of the island.