Art in Cyprus

Art in Cyprus

Cyprus has been present in European literature for thousands of years, from the works of Ionian lyricists to modern travelogues such as Lawrence Durrell's Bitter Lemons (1957). Literary traditions are strong on the island itself. Turkish Cypriot singers such as Akar Akalın and Neşe Yaşın have developed a body of works that are well known in the Turkish language, relying on oral tradition, from classical forms - such as takrlme (rigmarole) and mani (quartet) - and based on contemporary styles. Is. Although these works have not been translated into other languages to a large extent. Contemporary Greek Cypriot poets are somewhat better known from the island, as their poems have been translated into other European languages. Several literary magazines are published in this country, and small presses publish hundreds of books in Greek and Turkish every year. Poetry is also an important element in the growing "culture of peace" movement, which seeks to build social and cultural bonds across the island's ethnic divide.

Many painters and sculptors work in Cyprus, and the Office of Cultural Services hosts the Cyprus State Collection of Modern Art in a permanent exhibition and sponsors the annual Kypria International Music Festival and theater performances. In the village of Lemba, near Paphos, the Cyprus College of Art runs courses for postgraduate art students. The government encourages young composers, musicians and local dance groups. Both the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities have active film industries, and Cypriot cinematographic films have received numerous awards in international competitions. Classical and folk music are popular among Cypriots of all ages, and local musical traditions from the Greek and Turkish communities, along with international styles, have contributed to the development of popular indigenous Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot musical styles.