Cyprus-Forum.com

[repulsewarrior]

...even as late as the early seventies, there were camels in my village, although very few. i remember having to walk under a camel's belly every year, because it was believed that doing so would keep you healthy.

[excommo]

Got a positive answer from a friend who was stationed at the CG circa 1960 who says he saw black camels on a Turkish farm on the road to Larnaca. You are right about those camels and donkeys in the embassy now. I retired from State Dept. as soon as I could in 1986 to get away from them in the embassy in Bonn. Thanks for the replies. It was still enjoyable to be on the island in 1956-57 even with all the EOKA troubles.

[kurupetos]

If I am right, are there still working camels on the island?

Absolutely, you'll find all camels and donkeys working hard at the American Embassy.

They must get their contractors from Tseri!

Send them your CV mate!

Why? Do they need chickens?

[yialousa1971]

Seems I remember while on the island 1956-57 at the U.S. Consulate General that there were camels on farms. It may be I am confused with my assignments at times to the Arab countries. If I am right, are there still working camels on the island?

I've never seen working camels in Cyprus but according to my (nonagenarian) mum, there used to be a few of them owned by a Turk back in the 1950s-60s, around Polis. Is this where you saw them? She told me of an incident whereby one came through our kitchen door and startled her so much she had a miscarriage. This suggests they were allowed to roam freely at times, or perhaps it escaped. Anyway, they (camels and Turks) are not native to Cyprus.

[kurupetos]

That's what they do best... Stealing. May they rot in hell.