Talking Round North Cyprus

Everyone knows Issy - from his translations of government policies during covid to his tireless fundraising. But if you didn’t know him before, this is your chance as he chats to us about what he’s up to after leaving Heartbeat charity.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are winners of the 2026 CONIFA European football Championship. Roger explains what this means for the TRNC who don’t often get the chance to play internationally.

What's a well known chef, who's worked in Michelin starred kitchens, doing foraging in the North Cyprus countryside? Joe Bartlett has moved to the TRNC and has brought with him his passion for using local, natural ingredients in his supper parties. We caught up with him to find out how life is treating him?

What do children from a primary school in Leicester have to do with North Cyprus? Well, their incredible headteacher is a proud Turkish Cypriot and took them to the semi finals of Britain's Got Talent on live TV. Hear from Halil Tamgumus - affectionately known as Mr T - about his Turkish Cypriot roots.

From Scotland to North Cyprus via journalism, wedding planning and becoming an author, Claire Morley seems to relish a challenge. She went to the Philippines to help with disaster relief and wrote a book about her time there. She is now the first lady Club Captain of Korenieum golf club and is embarking on yet another challenge.

From behind a Post Office counter via insurance, David Hillier now runs a very popular bakery in Alsancak near Girne (Kyrenia). He tells Roger and Sara about running a business in North Cyprus and how his goods are Baked with Love.

Tucked in the hills between Çamlıbel and Güzelyurt in North Cyprus lies one of the island’s most mysterious and eccentric landmarks: The Blue House, or Mavi Köşk.

This striking 1957 villa wasn’t just a summer retreat—it was the private hideaway of Paulo “Byron” Pavlides, a Greek Cypriot lawyer, businessman, and alleged arms smuggler with deep political connections and an even deeper love for luxury.

Author NK Chavush returns with a great thriller based on this notorious place. Listen here to his interview with Roger and Sara

Vicki Karaca ran the well known Black Olive venue for a few years but has decided to give it up. But, as Roger found out when he finally managed to chat with her, she is still a very busy lady in the local community. Hear what she is up to now in this latest episode of our podcast.

As scary and unprecedent events erupt in Iran, and across the Middle East, we hear in this episode from an Iranian student, based in North Cyprus with his family, about how they are struggling and his hopes for the future of his country. WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions.

This episode is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Talking Round North Cyprus podcast. It's our 124th episode and in that time we've chatted with some great people - all of whom have a link to the TRNC. Roger and Sara pick out just a couple of their personal highlights but there are so many. Thank you so much to all of you who have been on or who regularly listen and support us. Hopefully we're breaking down a few misconceptions of this forgotten corner of the eastern Mediterranean.