In a panel organized by the Near East University, the historical roots and challenges faced by Afro-Cypriots, who have been an integral part of the cultural diversity on the island of Cyprus for centuries, were discussed. Historically, individuals of African descent, known as Afro-Cypriots, began settling on the island during the Ottoman Empire’s rule, coming from countries such as Niger, Libya, Kenya, Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, and Ethiopia. The panel, organized in collaboration with the Near East University Excellence Center and the Cyprus Research Center, featured insights from researcher and artist Serap Kanay, who is herself of Afro-Cypriot descent.

The panel, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Gökbulut, the Head of the Folklore Department at the Near East University Faculty of Atatürk Education, was attended by various academics, students, and participants. Serap Kanay emphasized that Afro-Cypriots are an essential part of the island’s cultural diversity, engaging in various professions and living predominantly in the northern part of Cyprus.

Speaking about her personal experiences and research, Kanay highlighted that Afro-Cypriots are actively contributing to different sectors, such as academia, arts, sports, policing, teaching, farming, and more. She emphasized the need to eliminate derogatory terms like “halayık” from daily language, as these terms, although seemingly innocuous, carry historical connotations of slavery and discrimination.

Kanay, who refers to herself as a “Turkish-speaking Cypriot black female artist,” shared her genealogical tree during the panel, offering a glimpse into her family history. She mentioned that her DNA test revealed African roots from different regions, emphasizing her pride in being a Cypriot with African heritage. Kanay’s ongoing oral history research aims to document the lives of Afro-Cypriots and challenge racial stereotypes. In the Q&A session, discussions included the existence of racism in Cyprus, with Kanay emphasizing the importance of eliminating racially insensitive language from daily discourse.

More Information:
https://neu.edu.tr/afro-cypriots-not-african-but-cypriot/?lang=en