Korucam: The Maronite Village in Northern Cyprus

A wonderful opportunity to explore a different culture awaits those who choose to visit the Kormakitis Peninsula.

• Maronites in Northern Cyprus
• The Village of Korucam (Kormakitis)
• Churches in Kormakitis
• Frequently Asked Questions

Maronites in Northern Cyprus

Cypriot Maronites are an ethno-religious group, members of the Maronite Catholic Archdiocese of Cyprus (based in the south), whose ancestors migrated from the Levant in the Middle Ages. Some of them traditionally speak a variety of Arabic known as Cypriot Arabic, in addition to Greek. Those who speak this Arabic dialect originate from a single village, namely Kormakitis, known in Turkish transcription as Korucam.

The survival of the Maronites today largely depends on external assistance, particularly from the UN. A couple of times a month, medicine, fuel, and food supplies are delivered here from the southern part of the island. This aid is funded by the government of the Republic of Cyprus but is transported by the UN.

The Village of Korucam (Kormakitis)

The village is located on the peninsula of the same name, west of Girne and north of Guzelyurt. Notably, there are hardly any young people here—almost all the village's residents are elderly.

Many Maronites who moved from Kormakitis to the southern part have renovated and modernized the village and houses for weekend use. According to the municipality, the population of Kormakitis grows to over 600 people on weekends, as former displaced residents return to visit relatives and attend mass.

Churches in Kormakitis

Several Maronite chapels have been built in and around Kormakitis. St. George's Church, located in Kormakitis and dedicated to the village's patron saint, was built in the early 20th century. Today, St. George's Church is used by the remaining residents, and the cathedral houses icons and religious artifacts dating back to the 12th century.

A chapel, also named after St. George, is located almost on the seashore, north of Kormakitis. It was built in 1852. Every year, on November 3rd, the Maronite community holds a mass dedicated to St. George, marking the beginning of the agricultural season. Traditionally, after the mass, Maronites have lunch by the sea.

The Chapel of the Holy Virgin is a small building located in the western part of the village. It is believed to have been built in 1453 and was recently restored.

Another St. George’s Chapel is located next to the Franciscan Sisters' Monastery in the village center. The chapel was built in 1534, while the Franciscan Sisters' Monastery itself was constructed much later, in 1936, near the village square.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Maronites

Where else do Maronites live in Northern Cyprus?

Kormakitis is one of four traditionally Maronite villages in Cyprus; the other three are Asomatos, Agia Marina, and Karpaseia. These are the Greek names, while in Turkish, the settlements are called Özhan, Gürpınar, and Karpaşa, respectively.

What benefits do Maronites in Northern Cyprus receive?

The government of the Republic of Cyprus provides pensions to those who have remained in Maronite villages in the north, amounting to €670 per month for a couple and around €430 for an individual.

How does the Republic of Cyprus view the Maronites?

Legally, Maronites are defined in the Constitution of Cyprus as a religious group within the Greek Cypriot community. Maronites are included in the Greek Cypriot electoral roll for voting in presidential and parliamentary elections.

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