The population of North Cyprus is mixed, with various age and religious groups making up the demographics. Knowing this diversity will give you insight into the diaspora communities, historical population trends and the impact of conflicts on the population. Recent census data reveals the Turkish Cypriot population in North Cyprus and abroad, including the UK. Economic migration also plays a big role in shaping the overall demographics and its impact on the local culture.
- North Cyprus is a young society, with working-age adults and twenty-somethings dominating the age structure.
- Turkish Cypriots form a large global diaspora, with the United Kingdom home to the biggest overseas community.
- Conflict and economic hardship, not natural decline, drove much of the population’s dispersal abroad.
- The population mixes indigenous Turkish Cypriots, mainland settlers and small Greek and Maronite groups, shaping a distinct culture.
What are the age groups of the population in Northern Cyprus? (Latest Official Estimates (2021))
In 2021, Northern Cyprus had a population of 390,745, 212,535 males and 178,210 females. The age distribution was as follows: 53,733 were 0-14 years, 298,801 were 15-64 years and 38,211 were 65+. The gender distribution in each age group was more males than females, except in 70+ years where females were more (13,963 females to 11,291 males). The biggest age group was 20-29 years with 100,833 and 40-49 years with 53,924.
The gender distribution in Northern Cyprus is as follows:
The age groups in Northern Cyprus are distributed as follows:
The age distribution by gender in Northern Cyprus shows a higher number of males in most age groups, except for the 70+ years category:
The total age distribution in Northern Cyprus is as follows:
Info
Sunni Islam is the dominant religion, followed by around 97% of the population, while Orthodox Christianity is practised by around 0.5%.
What Are the Religious Groups of the Population in Northern Cyprus?
Sunni Islam is the dominant religion in North Cyprus with around 97% of the population. The introduction of Islam to the island started with the Arab conquests in the 7th century and was further solidified by the Ottoman conquest in 1570 which saw a big increase in the Muslim population due to Turkish settlers and local conversions. The Hanafi school of thought is followed by Sunni Muslims in North Cyprus. Major Islamic landmarks are Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Famagusta, Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia and Hazreti Omer Tekke Mosque near Kyrenia.
Orthodox Christianity is practised by around 0.5% of the population in North Cyprus. This religion has deep historical roots, introduced by Greek settlers. The Orthodox Christians in North Cyprus, mainly Greek Cypriots, are members of the Autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus. Major religious sites are historical churches such as Notre Dame de Tyre in Nicosia and Church of St. George the Elixir in Famagusta.
Maronite Christianity is also practised by a small community within the 0.5% of the population along with Orthodox Christians. The Maronite Christians are descendants of Lebanese immigrants who settled in Cyprus in the 7th century and follow the Maronite Catholic Church. The community is mainly concentrated in the village of Kormakitis with major religious sites like Church of St. George in Kormakitis.
Other smaller religious groups in North Cyprus are Protestantism, Roman Catholics, Russian Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Judaism, Baha’ism, Buddhism and Hinduism. These groups although a smaller percentage of the population add to the religious diversity of the region. Notable places of worship for these communities are St. Andrew’s Church in Kyrenia, Latin Catholic Church in Nicosia and Russian Orthodox Church in Kyrenia.
What Are the Significant Diaspora Communities of Turkish Cypriots?
Turkish Cypriots have established significant diaspora communities in countries like Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Australia due to political and economic reasons. These communities are concentrated in several countries, each with its unique characteristics and population sizes.
- Turkey hosts the largest community of Turkish Cypriots outside of Cyprus, with estimates ranging from 300,000 to over 650,000 individuals. This includes descendants of early 20th-century migrants, who moved to Turkey following the Ottoman Empire’s transfer of Cyprus to British control. The community in Turkey remains closely connected to their Cypriot roots while integrating into Turkish society.
- The United Kingdom has a substantial Turkish Cypriot population, estimated between 300,000 (TRNC nationals only) to 400,000 (including descendants). Migration to the UK began in the early 1920s and increased significantly during the mid-20th century due to economic hardship and political unrest in Cyprus. The majority of Turkish Cypriots in the UK are concentrated in London, where they have established vibrant communities and contribute to various sectors, including the textile industry.
- Australia also has a notable Turkish Cypriot community, with estimates ranging from 40,000 to 120,000 individuals. This community primarily formed through immigration waves in the late 20th century, particularly in 1993. Turkish Cypriots in Australia have integrated well, contributing to the multicultural landscape of the country, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
- North America is home to smaller but significant Turkish Cypriot populations, with approximately 6,000 individuals each in the United States and Canada. These communities have grown steadily, often centred around urban areas where they maintain cultural traditions and community networks.
Other countries with Turkish Cypriot communities include Germany, New Zealand, and South Africa, with smaller populations contributing to the global Turkish Cypriot diaspora. These communities, while fewer in number, still play an essential role in maintaining cultural and familial ties across borders.
What Were the Historical Population Trends of Turkish Cypriots?
The population trends of Turkish Cypriots have been shaped by political, economic, and social factors throughout history. Following the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1571, around 30,000 Turkish settlers were granted land, marking the beginning of a significant Turkish presence on the island. Many local Christians converted to Islam during this period, contributing to the growth of the Muslim population.
By the second quarter of the 19th century, the Turkish Cypriot population was about 30,000, constituting approximately 35% of the island’s total population. However, this proportion fluctuated due to various factors, including military service obligations that kept many Turkish Cypriot men away from home and led to significant emigration. By 1841, the Turkish Cypriot population had declined to 27% of the total population.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw further emigration, primarily to Turkey, following the British administration’s takeover of Cyprus in 1878. Economic hardship during British rule, along with political unrest and the rise of Turkish nationalism, prompted many Turkish Cypriots to leave the island. Between 1881 and 1927, approximately 30,000 Turkish Cypriots emigrated to Turkey.
During the mid-20th century, the population trends were further impacted by the political conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The intercommunal violence in the 1950s and 1960s, along with the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, led to significant displacement and migration. Around 25,000 Turkish Cypriots became refugees within the island, and many more emigrated to the United Kingdom, Turkey, and other countries.
Census data from Northern Cyprus in the late 20th and early 21st centuries show continued fluctuations. The 1996 census recorded 200,587 people, while the 2006 census reported a population of 265,100. The 2011 census showed a further increase to 294,906, although these figures have been subject to political debate and discrepancies.
Today, while Northern Cyprus is home to an estimated 150,000 Turkish Cypriots, the diaspora is significantly larger. Turkey hosts between 300,000 and 650,000 Turkish Cypriots, the United Kingdom has an estimated 300,000 to 400,000, and Australia is home to 40,000 to 120,000.
How Did Conflicts Impact the Population of Turkish Cypriots?
Conflicts significantly affected the population of Turkish Cypriots through displacement, migration, and changes in demographic structure. The conflicts began with the intercommunal violence of the 1950s and 1960s, which saw the emergence of the EOKA movement aiming for enosis, or union with Greece. This led to a series of violent clashes that forced many Turkish Cypriots to flee their homes and seek refuge in safer areas or abroad. By 1958, Turkish Cypriots had formed the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT) in response to increasing violence, and armed conflicts between the communities became more frequent.
The situation escalated in December 1963 during the events known as “Bloody Christmas,” when Greek Cypriots attacked Turkish Cypriot villages, leading to the displacement of approximately 25,000 Turkish Cypriots. These individuals sought safety in enclaves, which were often blockaded, resulting in severe living conditions and prompting further emigration to the United Kingdom, Turkey, North America, and Australia.
The most dramatic impact occurred in 1974 following a coup d’état by Greek nationalists, which prompted Turkey to invade Cyprus. This invasion led to the division of the island and the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Approximately 60,000 Turkish Cypriots fled from the south to the north, fundamentally altering the island’s demographics. The north became predominantly Turkish Cypriot, while the south remained primarily Greek Cypriot.
The establishment of the TRNC in 1983 and the continued political instability led to economic hardships, which further encouraged emigration. An estimated 300,000 – 400,000 Turkish Cypriots have left Northern Cyprus since its establishment, primarily relocating to the United Kingdom and Turkey. Today, while around 150,000 Turkish Cypriots reside in Northern Cyprus, a substantial diaspora exists, with large communities in Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among other countries.
What Does Recent Census Data Reveal About the Turkish Cypriot Population?
Recent census data reveals significant demographic trends and changes within the Turkish Cypriot population. According to the 2011 Northern Cyprus Census, there were 160,207 Turkish Cypriots born on the island residing in Northern Cyprus. The majority of these individuals, 131,423, were born in the northern part of the island, while 28,784 were born in the south.
The data indicates a clear division in the population between those who are native-born and those with mixed parentage. Of the Cypriot-born population, 120,007 had both parents born in Cyprus, while 12,628 had one parent born in Cyprus and the other in another country. This shows that a substantial number of Turkish Cypriots have at least one parent from a different region, reflecting the ongoing impacts of migration and mixed heritage.
The census also highlights the urban distribution of the population. Lefkoşa (Nicosia) hosts the largest number of Turkish Cypriots with 66,833 residents. This is followed by Gazimağusa (Famagusta) with 37,027, and Girne (Kyrenia) with 12,719. Other significant areas include Güzelyurt (Morphou) and İskele (Trikomo), with 10,457 and 4,387 residents, respectively. This urban concentration underscores the importance of these cities as cultural and economic hubs for the Turkish Cypriot community.
Furthermore, the census data reflects the broader diaspora trends, with substantial Turkish Cypriot populations living abroad. In addition to the 500,000 estimated to live in Turkey, significant communities are found in the United Kingdom, Australia, and North America. These diaspora populations have developed due to various factors, including economic opportunities and political instability.
What is the Population of Turkish Cypriots in the United Kingdom?
The population of Turkish Cypriots in the United Kingdom is estimated to be between 300,000 and 400,000 individuals. This figure includes both immigrants from Cyprus and their descendants. The initial waves of migration began in the early 1920s, with significant increases during the Great Depression and following the political unrest in Cyprus during the 1950s and 1960s.
A considerable number of Turkish Cypriots migrated to the UK in search of better economic opportunities and to escape political instability. By the 1950s, the Turkish Cypriot community in the UK had grown substantially, with many settling in London. Today, the UK hosts the largest Turkish Cypriot diaspora community outside Cyprus and Turkey, reflecting a vibrant and well-established population.
The diaspora has contributed significantly to the multicultural landscape of the UK, with Turkish Cypriots actively participating in various sectors such as business, education, and the arts. This community continues to maintain strong cultural ties to Cyprus while integrating into British society.
How Has Economic Migration Affected the Turkish Cypriot Population?
Economic migration has significantly impacted the Turkish Cypriot population by dispersing its members across various countries and altering its demographic composition. The economic hardships and political instability in Cyprus have driven many Turkish Cypriots to seek better opportunities abroad.
In the early 20th century, many Turkish Cypriots migrated to Turkey, the United Kingdom, and other countries due to economic challenges and political changes. During the 1920s, economic depression under British rule and subsequent political tensions led to increased migration. The Great Depression of 1929 further exacerbated the economic difficulties, prompting more Turkish Cypriots to leave Cyprus in search of employment and stability.
The United Kingdom has become a primary destination for Turkish Cypriots, with significant migration occurring during the 1950s and 1960s. This period saw thousands of Turkish Cypriots relocating to the UK due to escalating intercommunal violence and economic stagnation in Cyprus. Today, the UK hosts a large and established Turkish Cypriot community, estimated to number between 300,000 and 400,000, including descendants.
In Australia, the Turkish Cypriot community has also grown substantially, with estimates ranging from 40,000 to 120,000 individuals. This migration began in earnest during the 1950s and continued as families sought improved living conditions and economic prospects.
Overall, economic migration has not only dispersed Turkish Cypriots globally but also strengthened their diaspora communities. These communities maintain cultural ties to Cyprus while contributing to the multicultural fabric of their host countries. The Turkish Cypriot diaspora, particularly in the UK and Australia, continues to play a vital role in preserving their heritage and supporting economic development both in their new homes and in Cyprus.
What Are the Population Demographics of North Cyprus and Their Impact on the Local Culture?
The population demographics of North Cyprus consist of a mix of indigenous Turkish Cypriots, Turkish settlers, and smaller groups of Greek Cypriots and Maronites. This diverse population significantly impacts the local culture, creating a unique and vibrant society.
North Cyprus has around 300,000 residents. The majority are Turkish Cypriots, accompanied by a notable number of Turkish settlers who moved to the region after 1974. Additionally, smaller communities of Greek Cypriots and Maronites live in specific areas.
The culture in Northern Cyprus is deeply influenced by its diverse population. Music and dance are vital components of this cultural identity. Music blends traditional sounds with modern genres, while traditional folk dances and contemporary styles coexist at social events, reflecting the region’s dynamic heritage.
- Literature, especially poetry, plays a crucial role in expressing the intellectual and creative spirit of Northern Cyprus. The region boasts a rich tradition of poetry and oral literature, with contributions from renowned poets like Neşe Yaşın.
- Media, particularly television and cinema, shapes public opinion and reflects societal changes. Local TV channels and film festivals promote cultural expression and preserve cultural heritage, further enriching the culture in Northern Cyprus.
- Handicrafts such as Lefkara lace and koza işi (silk cocoon art) preserve traditional skills and contribute to the cultural heritage of Northern Cyprus, reflecting its artistic legacy.
- Sports, especially soccer, are integral to community life, promoting physical health and social cohesion. Other sports like basketball and martial arts also have dedicated followings.
- Theatre remains a cherished cultural activity, with performances that reflect local stories and traditions. The annual Cyprus Theater Festival is a major cultural event, fostering appreciation for the performing arts.
Conclusion
The population demographics of North Cyprus significantly shape its local culture and society. The mix of Turkish Cypriots, Turkish settlers, Greek Cypriots, and Maronites creates a unique cultural mosaic. Economic migration has played a crucial role, leading to a diverse and dynamic population. This demographic diversity influences various aspects of daily life, including traditions, social practices, and communal activities. Understanding these demographics provides valuable insights into the culture in Northern Cyprus and its ongoing evolution.
FAQ
Economic migration has led to a diverse population in North Cyprus, with a significant influx of Turkish settlers and a notable Turkish Cypriot diaspora. This migration has enriched the cultural landscape and contributed to the region’s economic and social development.
The main ethnic groups in North Cyprus are Turkish Cypriots, Turkish settlers, Greek Cypriots, and Maronites. Each group contributes to the region’s cultural diversity and social fabric.
The diverse population distribution in North Cyprus influences local culture by blending various traditions, customs, and social practices. This cultural amalgamation is reflected in music, dance, literature, and other cultural expressions.
The Turkish Cypriot diaspora plays a vital role in maintaining cultural ties and contributing to the economy of North Cyprus. Many Turkish Cypriots living abroad support their families and communities through remittances and investments. For instance, diaspora members frequently invest in local businesses and property, and cultural events organised by diaspora communities help preserve and promote Turkish Cypriot traditions and heritage globally.
Demographic changes, driven by economic migration and historical events, have created a multicultural society in North Cyprus. This diversity fosters a rich cultural environment and influences various aspects of social life, from festivals to everyday interactions.