Music in Northern Cyprus

Contemporary Music
Turkish Cypriot cities and towns keep the music scene alive with regular festivals hosting performances by local and international artists. Turkish Cypriot singers such as Ziynet Sali and Işın Karaca have achieved great success in Turkey. Turkish Cypriot music group Sıla 4 is well-known and loved both in Cyprus and Turkey with its works reflecting the Turkish Cypriot identity. Rock and pop music are very popular among the public in Northern Cyprus, and important artists and groups such as SOS and Fikri Karayel stand out in these genres.

folk music
Turkish Cypriot folk music has limited influence from mainland Turkish music and consists of a wide variety of local melodies. Traditionally weddings have played a central role in the development of this music. Darbuka, violin, zurna and other drums were widely used in these social gatherings and contributed to the formation of many traditional songs. These traditional songs are also shared with the Greek Cypriot community. These songs, which were performed not only at weddings but also on special occasions such as holidays, circumcision ceremonies and wrestling matches, were played by a group called "ince saz" consisting of darbuka, violin, tambourine and cymbals. The thin saz got its name from the high-pitched and high-pitched sounds of the instruments. In the past, when gender discrimination was prevalent in society, blind violinists were hired to play in women's neighborhoods because men were not allowed to see women. These violinists often went to the Gamblers' Inn in Nicosia.

Turkish Cypriot Folk Music can be divided into two main categories: folk songs and "game tunes" that accompany folk dances at weddings. Famous folk songs include "Dillirga", "Kebapçıların Şişi" and "Let's shoot oranges".

Although Kamran Aziz composed mostly non-folkloric works, his compositions are now considered part of the Turkish Cypriot folk music repertoire. It is accepted that he laid the foundations of modern Turkish Cypriot pop music.

Classic music
Both western and Ottoman style classical music is performed in Northern Cyprus. The Northern Cyprus State Symphony Orchestra was established in 1975, but its development efforts did not achieve the desired success. The Presidential Symphony Orchestra was established in 2014 and held its first concert with Turkish Cypriot musicians at Bellapais Monastery in Kyrenia. Bellapais Monastery is considered an important platform for classical music, hosting international festivals such as the International Bellapais Classical Music Festival. Additionally, the International Northern Cyprus Music Festival is held in Bellapais Monastery, Salamis ancient city and Kyrenia Castle in September and October, and classical music, tango, symphonic rock, chamber orchestras, flamenco and Romani music are performed in this festival. There is also the Nicosia Municipal Orchestra, which performs in the parks and squares of North Nicosia, and hosts the annual Walled City Jazz Festival. Rüya Taner is an internationally acclaimed Turkish Cypriot pianist.

The first Ottoman classical music institution in Cyprus was Darül-Elhan, founded in 1924. This organization dealt with training and performances, and after its dissolution in 1953 several different groups were established. In 1985, the State Turkish Music Choir was established to officially institutionalize the activities. The choir still actively gives concerts in Northern Cyprus.

Various aspects of music in Northern Cyprus reflect the cultural richness of the island and its influences throughout history. This rich musical heritage forms an important part of the cultural identity of Cyprus.