Remembering the enslavement by ottomans on cypriots

This is something pertinent to our islands history and we shouldn’t forget the hardship that our ancestors went through at the hands of Ottomans.

The Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1570–71 had a devastating impact on the island’s population, including the enslavement of many Cypriots. While the exact number of Cypriots enslaved during this period is unknown, estimates suggest that it could have been as high as 20% of the total population.

These enslaved Cypriots were primarily women and children, who were captured during the conquest or sold into slavery by their families. They were then sold to Ottoman slave traders and transported to various parts of the Ottoman Empire, where they were forced to work as domestic servants, agricultural laborers, or concubines/ sex slaves.

The age of Cypriot slaves during the Ottoman Empire varied greatly, ranging from young children to adult women. The capture of women and children was a deliberate strategy by the Ottomans, as they were seen as more vulnerable and easier to control than men.

Young female slaves were often taken into the homes of Ottoman officials and wealthy families, where they were used as domestic servants or concubines. They would be responsible for a variety of tasks, including cooking, cleaning, childcare, and sexual services.

Young female slaves were often described as being beautiful and attractive. They would have had long, dark hair, dark eyes, and olive skin. They would also have been relatively slender, as they were not expected to perform heavy manual labor.

Older female slaves would have been more likely to show signs of wear and tear from their years of servitude. They may have had wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, and calloused hands.

Cypriot slaves would also have been distinguished by their clothing. They would have worn traditional Cypriot attire, which was often brightly colored and adorned with intricate embroidery. However, as slaves, they would have been expected to dress modestly and avoid attracting attention to themselves.

The lives of Cypriot slaves were undoubtedly difficult and challenging. They were taken from their homes and families, forced to work long hours under harsh conditions, and often subjected to physical and emotional abuse.

by haemoglobinred