Talking Round North Cyprus
Talking Round North Cyprus is a podcast about North Cyprus (the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus) and the people who live, work, visit and love the region. Episodes cover topics such as retiring to the TRNC, living and working in North Cyprus, expat life, politics, leisure and animal welfare. The hosts share their own views and make clear that these do not represent allegiance to any media outlet. Listeners are invited to get in touch with stories or to take part via email.
Επεισόδια
The Dog Man One
Nige Whinnett is a retired RAF police dog handler and has set up a business in the TRNC helping people train their dogs. He chats with Roger about life in North Cyprus and gives some top tips on handling dogs.
The Cyprus Turkish Airlines One
Sara and Roger discuss the possibility of bringing back a national airline and how the Greek Cypriot Mayor of Nicosia has stood in solidarity with the Turkish Cypriot Mayor of Lefkosa.
The Gambling One
Little did Gary Pearce know that, when he was offered a week’s trip in the early 1990s to the TRNC to see if he wanted a job in the betting industry, he’d still be there today. But he is, and he tells us all about it.
The Cancel Culture One
What do an international music festival, Barcelona FC academy and Coronation Street all have in common? Listen to this episode to find out and we want your thoughts on it all. Plus, our thoughts are with those involved in the maritime disaster off the coast of Girne.
The Living in the TRNC survey One
Did you fill in a survey about what it is like to live, as a foreigner, in the TRNC? It was put together by TFR and the results are out. Roger chatted with acting chairman of the TFR Caroline Houghton and Welfare and Cemetery coordinator, Jessy Ben-Dov to find out what the survey says..
The TRNC trial One
Paul Bennett is keen to make a permanent move from the UK to the TRNC so he's putting it to the test with a year's trial - building his business and making new friends before bringing his family over. He tells us how his trial is going and whether he thinks he might stay....
The Golfing Challenge One
Claire Morley (The Action Woman One) and Julie Freeland didn't just walk 33.5 km (20.8 miles) in 13 and a half hours - they played 4 rounds of golf - 72 holes. They tell us how their challenge went and how much they raised for local charities.
The Peter Wills Tribute One
Our friend Peter Wills sadly died in North Cyprus a short time ago and so we wanted to pay tribute to him and replay the interview we did with him in 2023 where he tells us of his extraordinary and varied life. Rest in peace Peter.
The Issy Atahasan One
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 CONIFA European Champions One
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.
The Foraging Chef One
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?
The Britain's Got Talent One
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.
The Action Woman One
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.
The Baked With Love One
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.
The Blue Mansion One
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
The Farewell Black Olive One
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.
The Iran One
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.
The Fifth Anniversary One
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. Hopefu
The Footy One
Barry Miller retired to the TRNC ten years ago and is a big supporter of local football team Iskele. He travelled all the way to Lapta to watch them play only for it to be rained off. But, every cloud has a silver lining, and he spent time with co-host of this podcast Roger Bara who chatted to him about his love of the local game.
The Gillham Vineyard Hotel One
Podcast host Sara gives you a tour of The Gillham Vineyard hotel - an exclusive boutique hotel and winery nestled in the hills above Girne (Kyrenia) in North Cyprus. Hear from the manager, about the unusual wine spa and the excellent wine tasting on offer.https://gillhamvineyard.com/
The Christmas 2025 One
Hosts Roger and Sara are together in North Cyprus bringing you this episode. They chat about Christmas and New Year in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus - what they've been up to as expats - Roger is living the good life as a retiree near Kyrenia and Sara has an holiday apartment in Iskele.
The Wedding Planner One
Teresa Cefa is a busy lady. She has been running a wedding planning business in the TRNC for a few years but is now also an event coordinator for Heartbeat - that raises thousands of TL to help those with cancer. Roger caught up with her in a bar.... of course he did!
The Wild Duck One
How tough is it to run a popular restaurant business in the TRNC with the cost of living rising all the time? Roger went along to chat with Emma Elmaz, who runs the Wild Duck near Lapta with her husband, to find out.
The Chinwag One
Roger and Sara catch up after Roger’s trip to the UK. Did he have to run through Istanbul airport again?! And how much did Kurt Duffield raise for the local cancer charity? Listen to find out!
The 1000 km Finish One
Roger chats with the amazing Kurt Duffield at the finish line of his epic 1000 km run and cycle for Tulips cancer charity to find out how it’s gone - and what he might have planned next.
The New President One
How will the next five years shape up for North Cyprus with a new President? We are joined by the Editor-in-Chief of Cyprus Today - Eltan Halil - who gives us his insight and commentary on Tufan Erhurman and his policies going forward.
The Mems One
From a children's home in England to finding his real home in North Cyprus, Mems tells us about growing up in England with his Turkish Cypriot parents and why his future lies in the TRNC.
The 1000km One
Kurt Duffield is at it again. Raising money for Tulips cancer charity in the TRNC by walking a half marathon followed by rowing on a machine every day through October. By the end of the month he’ll have done 1000 kms and hopefully raised money for a charity close to his heart.
The English Book Shop One
Author Martina Cole used to own the Best Seller bookshop in Karakum. It's now run by Deborah Burdess. Sara stopped by to chat with her about what it's like owning the only completely English book shop in the TRNC.
The Turtle-tastic One
More and more turtles are returning to North Cyprus every year to lay eggs and see their hatchlings go back into the sea. Helping them on their long journey are SPOT (Society for the protection of turtles) and the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute. We hear from people working hard for these organisations protecting turtles in the TRNC. Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute - VRMCyprus TurtlesCyprus
The Meeting Sister One
Metin Murat has been on a book tour promoting his new book “Meeting Sister”. It follows his first novel “The Crescent Moon Fox”. Sara caught up with him at the Best Seller bookstore in Karakum and heard his views on the future of the Turkish Cypriots.
The North Cyprus Teeth One
We explore the cost and treatments of going to the dentist in North Cyprus. We’re not taking “Turkey teeth” which is, of course, an option but for two young lads living in the UK and Jersey, the cost and treatment in the TRNC was so much better than at home.
The Jazzy Heart Surgeon One
Levent Soyer is a well known and well respected cardiologist in the TRNC. He is also a highly accomplished musician. Roger managed to chat with him to find out more, during a break in Levent’s busy schedule.
The Israel/Iran One
Given the uncertainty across the Middle East, how are people in the TRNC feeling about being so close to the Israel/Iran conflict? Sara and Roger find out from some expats.
The Tales of Cyprus One
Constantinos Emmanuelle has Greek Cypriot heritage and lives in Melbourne Australia. He has been gathering stories from Cypriots, both Greek and Turkish, born before 1940 for his project “Tales of Cyprus”. It provides a factual, historic and fascinating look into a bygone era of life in Cyprus.
The Goodbye Tulips One
Sue Tilt has been with the Tulips cancer charity for over 13 years. She’s decided it’s time to hand the reins to others while she cycles off into the sunset with her guitar! She chats with Roger about the legacy she’s leaving behind and the future of this important charity to the TRNC community.
The Intrepid Cyclist One
Martin Derbyshire loves to cycle now he’s retired to the TRNC from the army, with his wife. He’s cycled around the whole island of Cyprus but didn’t count on being hit by a car and spending 3 months in traction. But he’s back on his bike as he’s been telling us.
The North Cyprus Wildlife One
From rehoming a donkey and two miniature goats on his father's land in Taskent, Kemal Basat has gone on to set up the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute. They are currently running twenty programmes from donkeys in the Karpaz to turtles to collecting seeds for the seed bank. He chatted with Sara about the work the Institute does on very little money.
The Christmas '22 One
Don't worry - you've not gone through a time port hole, we're re-publishing this episode as there was a copyright issue with the very small bit of Christmas music we put at the end of the episode! They would have deleted the whole episode otherwise. Merry Christmas!!!
The Scott and Heap One
Former army officer, Steve Heap, and his wife have just moved to North Cyprus - even though he could have lived anywhere in the world. Despite rules changing regularly, they still like it especially as his former boss in the Army - John Scott - happens to live down the road.
The Divided Island 3 One
The fantastic documentary film about the “Cyprus Problem” - The Divided Island - is now available to view on Amazon Prime Video. Roger and Sara chat with director Cey Sesiguzel about its popularity
The Divine One
This episode isn’t about god but we do hear from someone who started singing in church in Botswana and, since moving to the TRNC, has entertained many people with her beautiful voice. Divine shares her story of combining electrical engineering with singing.
The 100th One
We celebrated our 100th episode, and our four year anniversary, with guests from our podcast at a party in North Cyprus. Thank you to all who came to celebrate with us and to all our listeners over these past four years.
The Immigration One
From Rioja to relocation, Laura Özkerimler and her husband shut down their popular wine bar to set up a business helping expats with their immigration and residency. Laura tells us why they did this and how they managing their busy workload.
The Trump One
We catch up with Dean Lewis, an American living in the TRNC, to get his views on what a second Trump term might look like and how it could affect the TRNC.
The Year In Review One
Our good friend Eltan Halil, Editor in Chief of Cyprus Today, joins us to look back at the big stories that made the news in 2024 and what to look out for in 2025.
The Chartered Surveyor One
Kate Taylor would love to spend all her time in the TRNC but can’t just at the moment. Hear what she loves about the place and how she can beat Roger at table tennis!
The Hot Potato One
Roger and Sara chat about the latest North Cyprus news, the cost of potatoes and being careful about meeting Roger in a bar!!
The Metal Mickey One
Darren Stout moved from supporting his beloved Gillingham football club to North Cyprus to support his author wife Kerry-Lee (listen to The After Luke One). Roger met Darren in a bar and got chatting about how life has been for them both after a year in the TRNC.
The 7 marathons in 7 days One
It’s cool to run one marathon in a day but amazing to run 7 in 7 days. That’s what Kurt Duffield has done, raising money for Tulips cancer charity. We’ll hear from Kurt and also from Roger about how he feels being back in a BBC studio after 12 years!
The Diving One
Sara chats about her first time diving. It was at the only 5 star PADI dive centre in heart of Iskele. Once she surfaced she chatted with owner Mansour Hosseini - an Iranian, living in Sweden, and working in North Cyprus. https://www.instagram.com/scuba_pulse?igsh=MWptdmxxZWthYWhwcQ==
The Cycling Copper One
There can be few things worse 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. Jay tells us how he copes and about his cycle from London to the TRNC.
The Title Deeds One
It’s what everyone is talking about. Getting the title deeds for the property you may own. We hear, in this episode, from Carina Svenson from Sweden and American Dean Lewis with their take on how this is affecting them personally.
The Immovable Property One
It’s what everyone is talking about. The new laws around property for expats. We get the latest information from Caroline Houghton from The Foreign Residents in the TRNC group, who is working hard with the government to make sense of all these new laws. She is a busy lady but found time to chat with Roger.
The Divided Island 2 One
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
The Fitness Instructor One
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
The Cycling Tours One
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.
The New Laws for Residency and Property One
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.
The Tanyel’s Smile One
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
The After Luke One
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.
The UN Peacekeeping One
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
The Inside the Buffer Zone One
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.
The Green Line One
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.
The Tatlisu Dog Rescue One
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.
The North Americans One
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.
The Violinist One
From picking up the violin at an early age in Belfast, via Trinity College of Music in London, from string quartets to backing the likes of Peter Gabriel, Lesley Locke has brought her wonderful talent to North Cyprus. Host Roger Bara finds out what brings her to the TRNC.
The 2024 Look Ahead One
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.
The Bowls Club One
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.
The Next Chatty One
Roger and Sara chat about the new Ercan airport; UNDP Cyprus and children taking over parliament.
The Soldier One
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 *
The Israel-Gaza One
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!
The Mad Horsewoman One
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..
The Toothless UN One
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.
The Artist and Eagle’s Nest One
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
The Quick Visit One
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!
The North Cyprus Film One
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!
The Lack of Social Care One
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.
The Travel Writer One
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?
The Motivational Fez One
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!
The Health and Well-being One
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!
