North Cyprus Hosts Traditional Mediterranean Wild Asparagus Festival

This past weekend, North Cyprus celebrated the 9th annual Ayrelli Festival, dedicated to wild asparagus—a beloved local delicacy. The event highlighted the traditions, flavors, and cultural heritage of the Turkish Cypriot community.

Organized by the Lapta–Alsancak–Çamlıbel Municipality in cooperation with the Akdeniz Village Council, the festival opened with a special ceremony attended by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed traditional foods, handmade crafts, and a variety of cultural and artistic performances.

In his opening remarks, Akdeniz village head Murat Çet said the aim of the festival is to help younger generations connect with and carry forward the customs and traditions of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Lapta–Alsancak–Çamlıbel Mayor Fırat Ataser described Akdeniz as one of the most beautiful Mediterranean villages in the country. He emphasized that the festival was organized to celebrate Ayrelli—a plant strongly associated with the region—and to encourage its wider use and appreciation.

Prime Minister Üstel spoke of Akdeniz’s symbolic importance in the Turkish Cypriot struggle for existence, noting that the village’s residents defended their homeland with great sacrifice, especially leading up to the 1974 “Happy Peace Operation.”

Following the speeches, the crowd enjoyed traditional folk dance performances and a live concert. The 9th Ayrelli Festival continued late into the evening, drawing locals and visitors alike.