Talking Round North Cyprus

The Divided Island is a film showing both sides of the Cyprus problem. With historical facts, unbiased commentators and very personal experiences, it hopes to inform everyone about this frozen conflict. Sara went to a private screening and chatted to Director Cey Sesigüzel

From the Isle of Wight via Butlins and cruise ships, Kerry Bowler has a background in entertainment. She has now settled in North Cyprus using her many talents and teaches fitness classes

Munise Keşanlı loves cycling around the villages of North Cyprus so much that she and her partner have set up cycling tours. She tells us about her love of cycling and her country.

New laws for foreign residents and about immovable property have been issued by the government in the TRNC but they are complicated and confusing. Roger and Sara try to explain them with help from those more in the know.

There can be few things worst in life than losing a child. Gulay and Jay Uzun lost their daughter Tanyel to cancer. From a place of darkness comes light as they now help other youngsters in the TRNC who have cancer. Gulay tells their heartbreaking story

Author Kerry-Lee Delport joins Roger and Sara to chat about her debut novel “After Luke” and about how she’s settling into her new life in the TRNC.

Just how effective is the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus? Samuel Lewis-Blanc is back chatting about his role with them and about his new podcast Cyprus Untold

Sam Lewis-Blanc and his family lived inside the Buffer Zone in Nicosia while he was the first continuity liaison officer to Turkish Forces for the UN 2019-2021. He provides a fascinating insight into many aspects of divided Cyprus.

Daz Barton was a British soldier serving across many conflicts. He worked with the UN on the Green Line in Nicosia. He’s lived in both the south and north and has an interesting perspective on life in Cyprus.

From working in the NHS and UK prisons such as Holloway and Wormwood Scrubs, Claire Lamb has thrown herself into local life in the TRNC. She chats here about her now famous Table Top Sales raising money for Tatlisu dogs.

Aubrey Beckham came to the TRNC just for the weekend but that was 12 years ago. She loves life in North Cyprus but it was difficult at first as the local Brits at the time weren’t very welcoming.

We’re back after our Christmas and New Year break. And our first guest of 2024 is editor in chief of Cyprus Today, Eltan Halil, who is feeling positive about this coming year for the TRNC.

You’d think that if you were moving to a new country, and decided to open the only bowls club in North Cyprus, you’d have done it before. But no. Martin Appleton tells us why and how he’s done just that.

Roger and Sara chat about the new Ercan airport; UNDP Cyprus and children taking over parliament.

Ralph O’Neill experienced many areas of conflict around the world as an army medic. He reflects, this Remembrance weekend, on his career and why he chose North Cyprus as his home. *There is some graphic description in this episode *

Roger is in England and Sara is in Jersey at the time of recording. They discuss the new Ercan airport and the view of the Israel Gaza conflict from TRNC perspective (among other things). Enjoy!

Jemma Neely visited the TRNC on holiday and stayed for 12 years. She lived in quite rough conditions and spent all her time looking after stray animals, particularly dogs. She’s leaving N Cyprus and reflects on her time..

Willy Lindt worked for the UN in Cyprus in 1964 but could see the Turkish Cypriots were already being heavily persecuted. He tried to help but ended up in prison in Sweden. Hear his amazing story.

Sara visits Gul Ciplak (The Artist) in Dipkarpaz to find out about her holiday lets and paintings and catches up with Mike and Veysal from Eagle’s Nest a year on. Plus The Russians are coming… or here already in large numbers

Sara grabs a quick week at her apartment in North Cyprus and catches up with some previous podcast guests - “The Artist One” and “The Eagle’s Nest One”. Plus of course her co-host Roger Bara - in his pool!

Listen here to our guest Peter Wills, who lives in the TRNC, and encourages film makers to come to the island. But his background is very diverse and he famously missed out on hiring The Beatles!

What would you do if you needed part time, or full time care, in the TRNC and had no family to help? They are only 6 care homes in the TRNC and they’re not fit for purpose. Professor Hatice Jenkins is working tirelessly to get the government to address this growing problem but we all need to help because sadly, one day, you may need someone to look after you.

Sarah Woods is the author of over a dozen travel books, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers. She writes for national newspapers and travel magazines and has appeared regularly on TV and radio. So, of all the places she could have chosen, why has she chosen to live in North Cyprus?

Born to Turkish Cypriot parents in London, Fez grew up in the UK, only moving to North Cyprus once married. She worked hard to make it her home and now works with children inspiring them to be better people. She’s passed this on to adults though her volunteer work with Tulips Cancer charity. Enjoy her zest for life!

Former accountant and former hairdresser Nigel and Paul Woollaston-Evans gave up their careers to move to the TRNC where they now help others with their health and well-being. We’re also told they host great parties!

As President Erdogan is re-elected in Türkiye, how does that affect the TRNC going forward? We get a full insight from Cyprus Today Editor in Chief Eltan Halil

If you ever have a question, or want help, on life in North Cyprus then Issy Atahasan is your man. He was invaluable during the pandemic in keeping people informed of regulations and his work hasn’t stopped. He told us why he does it and about his charity work

This episode is slightly rude! Roger’s equipment let’s him down so he and Sara end up chatting bollocks (quite literally!)

Barry Miller had been living in the TRNC for around 10 years and has moved into a house in the country. He thought at one point, during the pandemic, he’d leave but he tells Sara and Roger he couldn’t be happier.

Irene Scott retired to North Cyprus with her daughter and granddaughter. She picked up a stray dog from the roadside and nearly 10 years later she’s set up her own Little Ranch Rescue. She looks after and then rehomes stray dogs. Hear her story as she chatted with Roger and Sara

Well known author Malcolm Hollingdrake’s first novel was set in North Cyprus. He lived in the TRNC in the ‘80s and remembers it fondly. You can get his book “Bridging the Gulf” on Amazon

Laura Ozkerimler and her husband have opened a wine bar in Alsancak. It’s quickly become a hit. We find out more Laura and how she came to be in the TRNC. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087181704493

Conrad arrived in the TRNC two years ago, from Namibia, having never visited before. He has now had to return to South Africa. He reflects on life in the TRNC.

A short, sombre episode as Roger and Sara discuss the devastating impact the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria have had in the TRNC. Our thoughts are with anyone affected.

From Playboy Bunny girl to Bayrak International’s Radio Angel, via Australia, America, S Africa and the USA, Denise Phillips tells her story of finally putting roots down in the TRNC.

Buse Celebi is a lovely, young Turkish Cypriot woman who runs the family hotel - Celebi Garden Hotel - that sits on the cliffs of Mehmetçik village overlooking the valley and the sea. It is the pioneer of sustainable tourism practices in the TRNC.

Sara and Roger are live at the Iskele Xmas Eve Swim where they meet new friends and the lady who started Tulips Cancer charity. Plus Xmas Eve night at the Celebi Garden Hotel in Mehmetçik

Cey Sesiguzel is a film director with Turkish Cypriot heritage. With his Greek Cypriot friend and colleague they are putting the finishing touches to a fascinating documentary about the Divided Island. He’s crowdfunding for the project. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-divided-island#/?fbclid=PAAaZEAdZyeVrsr1kbCwyte2rtWOyicZyJVkZlQPdMGIQLMSHajwOlOm2qtiE

Helen trained as a nurse but set up her own company providing medical expertise to the film industry. Married to Turkophile Norm, she too now loves living in the TRNC.

Norm Russell is a real Turkophile and, being able to speak Turkish in his early days in the Met Police, led him to the TRNC, where he eventually chose to live.

From cooking for Royalty to retiring to the TRNC, Paul Wells tells us that he enjoys not eating gourmet meals all the time and how he’s loving life in North Cyprus.

Sara chats about being on the Graham Norton show and Rog tells us how he’s doing after his cancer op. But our main guest is Vikki who runs the entertainment venue The Black Olive in Alsancak TRNC

We’re back after a little break. Roger tells us about his prostate cancer treatment and Sara chats about working for the BBC in London the day of HM The Queen’s funeral.

Host Roger is on his holibobs in England so we are replaying one of our very interesting episodes - how Conrad fled from Namibia to the TRNC.

At 8 years old, Alper Mehmet arrived in England from Cyprus speaking no English. He eventually joined the Foreign Office and became the first British Ambassador with foreign heritage. Part 2

At 8 years old, Alper Mehmet arrived in England from Cyprus speaking no English. He eventually joined the Foreign Office and became the first British Ambassador with foreign heritage.

Giving up life on the island of Jersey and taking a leap of faith to live in the TRNC, Martin Palmer, a retired manager at Jersey Post, and his wife Glenda couldn’t be happier.

From serving in the army to working in finance to running a popular restaurant in North Cyprus, Mike Whitehouse tells us about The Eagle’s Nest and his plans for the future.

There are three things certain in life. Death, taxes and Janet Mcghee being at Bogaz harbour raising money for N Cyprus cats! She tells us about her life in the TRNC.

James Clark has made the TRNC his home and started two thriving business - both quite different. From jeeps and wine to becoming a celebrant.

Determined lady Sara (another one!) moved her family from Kazakhstan to TRNC 3 years ago and has set up her own business. Hear her story as she chats with (the other) Sara and Roger

Sara and Roger chew the fat about stuff in the TRNC! Another coalition failure, future guests and why we enjoy this country.

Fancy a pork sausage? Then you’re in luck as Zanan pork farm, just outside Nicosia, is a brand new farming venture in the TRNC. Roger went to meet Ulkem and Aras Yeşilada and some pigs…

Ipek Ozerim is the editor of the online English speaking Turkish Cypriot newspaper T-Vine. She chats with Roger and Sara about her Turkish Cypriot roots and her passion in protecting and promoting the TRNC.

Head into Famagusta Old Town and opposite Othello’s tower is Champion Inn tourist shop run by the very friendly Huseyin Ummanel. He tells us about fleeing from his family home in south Cyprus to make a new life in the North.

Bayrak International radio personality, Can Gazi, is on the other side of the microphone, for a change, as he chats about his life and work with Roger and Sara.

Here it is. A year of chatting to great people about their association with the TRNC. Join Sara and Roger with some of their highlights.

Editor in Chief of newspaper “Cyprus Today”, Eltan Halil, joins Sara and Roger to look at the results of the latest TRNC election (23/1/22) and explains the current political system

Could you give a “furever” home to dog or cat from North Cyprus? We hear from Serife who runs the dog shelter in Iskele and also from Kim from Kyrenia Animal rescue who knows all about pet travel.

Taken from an idyllic life in Cyprus at the age of 9 to England where she found it hard to fit in; to being forced into a marriage at only 15, Gül Ciplak has finally returned to her beloved Cyprus as a world renowned artist. She chats with Roger and Sara at her home in Dipkarpaz about her life, loves and hopes for the future.

Co host Sara makes it to the TRNC in time for carols round the piano and a dip in the sea for charity on Christmas Day. Plus she gets to share a long awaited glass of wine with Roger.

So how many PCR tests does it take to visit the TRNC? Lots it seems but it’s worth as co host Sara Palmer goes through all the stages in order to get back to North Cyprus for Christmas. Hear too from Pam, who lives in France and has been visiting Roger and his wife, about her experiences. But it hasn’t put her off visiting - quite the opposite in fact!

Roger catches up with Neshe in North Cyprus and discovers more about how she teaches yoga all over the world.

If you’ve ever been to Girne/Kyrenia you’ll know The George sports bar. It’s a real landmark and a very popular place. Our Roger stopped for a coffee and a chat with owner Ali - George as he’s known!

Would you buy a holiday home from a drawing on a piece of paper and a small hut in an empty field? Well that’s what our guests John and Dave did - they took a leap of faith and have been enjoying their holiday home in the TRNC for over 15 years.

Cyprus has an amazing history from Alexander the Great to the current situation of a divided island. Our guest Akin Yilmaz has a new book out with short stories viewing the history of Cyprus through the eyes of his father’s village Terra.

The Afik Group has built a reputation, and a multi cultural community, in N Cyprus. Mickey Mistriel tells us about their ethos of offering a lifestyle rather than just places to buy, as well as their plans for the future.

Our guest Steve Comer is a former councillor and trade union rep in Bristol who has a places in both North and South Cyprus. He knowledgeably compares and contrasts both sides of the divided island.

We catch up with Helen from “A Journey with my Son” as her plans to walk with her 6 year old, along the north coast of N Cyprus, have to be rearranged.

David Walker flies in from New York to pay his respects to his dad Ron Walker who died in North Cyprus. He shares his feelings about his dad and the place he called home.

Hear why a 16 year old wanted to move from his home in Tajikistan to North Cyprus. Jamshed Rahimov chats with Sara and Roger

Why do people choose North Cyprus as their home? We chat with two Iranians who have both moved for different reasons - but mostly for the peace and freedom offered by the TRNC.

Our guest Helen Karayman wanted to leave her 6 year old son with great memories of her so they’re undertaking an epic walk from Beşparmak to Karpaz.

Having never visited N Cyprus before, our guest Conrad Prollius left his life in Namibia behind for the peace, quiet and security of the TRNC. He sounds a bit of a party animal!

Confused about TRNC Covid rules? Then you need help from our guest Issy Atahasan who translates all official documents from Turkish to English and puts them on FB North Cyprus Expats Uncut Version.

How have people running restaurants coped during this past difficult year? Denise from DEKS at Thalassa Beach Resort chats with Roger and Sara and we hear from Riz from “Pisces and Spices” in Bogaz. And why doesn’t he want his parents to hear this episode?!

Have you got questions about residency? Need insurance? Who would you go to if someone dies? Havva Karabeyaz from expats consultancy service.com is our guest. A former lawyer in London she moved to North Cyprus a few years ago and realised there was a need among expats for advice on many aspects of Turkish law. She was supposed to be retired but is glad to be busy helping people out.

Are you looking to buy a property in North Cyprus? Get the latest views on the market with our guest this week, Kate Ozikiz from Ian Smith Estate Agency in Girne.

What’s the health service like in North Cyprus? Sara and Roger hear from a local GP and an expat who has used the many services available.

Sara and Roger chat about recent events in North Cyprus but also their memories of HRH Prince Philip who sadly died on Friday 9th April. But which one of them actually met the Duke?

Well known journalist Eltan Halil chats with Sara and Roger about the “Cyprus problem”; the new President of the TRNC; his family’s history and being a TV star.

Sue Tilt got breast cancer while living in TRNC. She was helped by Tulips Cancer charity and wanted to give back. She’s been fundraising for them ever since but times are hard at the moment. She chats with Sara and Roger

Barry Miller describes his repatriation back to the TRNC, having been stranded in UK at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sara and Roger chat about how they know each other; why they want to do this podcast about the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus; what their connection with the place is and what you can expect in future episodes.

Here’s a little taste of what to expect with our podcast “Talking Round North Cyprus”. Roger lives there and Sara has a holiday home. We chat about all sorts of topics from buying a house to food and drink with all the different people who make up this diverse community. We hope you’ll learn more about this forgotten corner of the island of Cyprus. Episodes coming very soon.