Hand crafts
Arts throughout generations in Cyprus
For centuries northern Cyprus has had the pride of their handcrafts. From generation to generation the tradition has been passed along. All the while these handcrafts remain just as they were for many generations.
The Yemeni is a headscarf that was worn among Turkish Cypriot women. It basically was a symbol of being rich. Incredibly, the material needed to make a Yemeni was made at home by the use of thin cotton thread finely decorated with various symbols. Some of these symbols were, flowers, leaves, and branches. The edges were delicately sown with different motifs.
One of the most important handcrafts in northern Cyprus was lace work. The linen that was going to be worked on first was tied and then stretched on a pillow. Then, different techniques like sewing in shapes or cutting out pieces were used to decorate the final task, which made it complete. After this part was done, an arch would be sewed all around the lace. In the past these were used for personal use. Now they are often made and sold to tourists and visitors.
Perhaps one of the handcrafts that is the most unique to many tourists is the silk work done by residents in northern Cyprus. This handcraft requires the use of a silkworm cocoon. After the individual carefully removes the silkworm in them the hole less cocoon is then used in picture works and even in decorating dresses. Pictures that were worked on were done on white, red, or black Japanese linen.
Still yet another tradition is plant knitting. This is where plants are cut into small ribbons and knitted together. Making different types of products. There are often times when tourists can literally enjoy the opportunity of watching residents plant knitting and then buying different products that are made with these plant ribbons.
Tourists who see these different handcrafts are usually in awe when they see how delicately these handcrafts are made. And, there are times when they even see children who have been taught the tradition doing the same thing as the adults.
When given the opportunity to purchase items tourists will usually jump at the chance. Simply because these handcrafted items are so unique and are made by hand. And, when the tourists actually see them being made they are amazed at how in some situations the amount of time it takes for the residents to finish and complete a handcraft of one kind or another.
Selling handcrafts to tourists is an additional way for Cypriots to make their economy grow too. It is also a way for the residents to show what they have been taught from generation to generation as well as teaching the handcraft to the younger generation after them. It is truly a northern Cyprus experience.
Tourists leave with their handcrafts and have a memory keepsake of their visit. They also have something to share with others they live near and they have the opportunity of telling them how the product was made and by whom. As well of being proud of the fact that it was made by hand on the island of Cyprus, Europe.