20 May 2026
What am I looking at: Tas
A tas (or hamam tası) is a traditional metal bowl used in Ottoman Turkish hammams (baths) for scooping water …
13 May 2026
What am I looking at: Visitor's Book
A Visitor’s book was always laid out at the entrance of Government House where guests would sign and give their …
06 May 2026
What am I looking at: Relics of the Union Jack
In October 1931, the British administration announced increased taxation in Cyprus. The people, especially the Greek Cypriots reacted strongly.
29 Apr 2026
What am I looking at: Hamsa
The Hamsa hand is an ancient Middle Eastern, palm-shaped amulet symbolizing protection, power, and blessing, widely used to ward off …
22 Apr 2026
What am I looking at: Maria Calepina
One of the paintings recently acquired by the CVAR and referring to Caterina Cornaro, presents the queen arriving in Venice.
15 Apr 2026
What am I looking at: Alousiva
Alousiva was extensively used for washing clothes.
08 Apr 2026
What am I looking at: Hot Water Bottle
A hot-water bottle is a bottle filled with hot water and sealed with a stopper used to provide warmth, typically …
01 Apr 2026
What am I looking at: Samaritan cigarettes
Cyprus used to produce tobacco. The leaves from the Karpas peninsula were very favoured and bought by various cigarette companies.
25 Mar 2026
What am I looking at: Vraka
When looking at paintings or photographs, notice the colour of the vraka worn by Christians and Moslems.
18 Mar 2026
What am I looking at: The Rose Water Bottles
Beautiful rosewater bottles or sprinklers were used by Cypriots on many occasions. Made out of glass, opaline or silver, each …
11 Mar 2026
What am I looking at: The French Perspective
During the second half of the nineteenth century, French, German and English magazines published illustrations of the island of Cyprus …
04 Mar 2026
What am I looking at: Coronation Mugs
During the British period of the island, on the occasion of a new regent’s coronation e.g. of Edward VII or …
25 Feb 2026
What am I looking at: Players Cards
Players cigarettes used to contain small collectable cards within each box, which advertised various items or parts of the British …
18 Feb 2026
What am I looking at: Şerbetlik
Large brass Sherbet Jug (Şerbet Güğümü or Şerbetlik) with shoulder strap, matching cup holder with belt, and a pitcher with …
11 Feb 2026
What am I looking at: Ecclesiastical oil lamp
Glazed ceramic egg, part of a hanging ecclesiastical oil lamp, decorated with the design of the Holy Spirit in the …
04 Feb 2026
What am I looking at: Cupping jars
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine whose benefits make it still active today.
28 Jan 2026
What am I looking at: Souvenir map
Detailed map of Cyprus and the Near East, printed on a silk handkerchief.
21 Jan 2026
What am I looking at: Menu at the Government House
The menu at the Government's House for the Queen's Birthday
14 Jan 2026
What am I looking at: Hammam Sandals
The wooden sandals women used to wear at the hammam.
07 Jan 2026
What am I looking at: Divit
A unique exhibit from CVAR's collection