The history of the Mehmet Katri/Kavaz family

Turkish translations continue after the English section.

The name Katri originates from Qadiriyyah. The Qadiri Order is one of the oldest Sufi Orders. It derives its name from Abdul-Qadir Gilani (1077-1166), a native of the Iranian province of Mazandaran. The order is one of the most widespread of the Sufi orders in the Islamic world, and spread to Central Asia, Turkey, Cyprus, Balkans and much of East and West Africa. The Qadiriyyah have not developed any distinctive doctrines or teachings outside of mainstream Islam. They believe in the fundamental principles of Islam, but interpreted through mystical experience. This name was normally given to certain individuals who followed the order of the Qadiriyyah. [1] What this implies for our ancestor Mehmet Katri/Kadri is not clear. What is clear however is that during the Ottoman period it was normal to use the name of the order one belonged to. Many Yeniçeri’s / Janissaries followed the Kadri order

The origins of the Mehmet Katri family in Lurucina goes back at least 10 generations. Hasan Yucelen in his excellent research that Mehmet Katri was said to have come from Manisa Turkey, settled in Dali and then Lurucina. [2] Dates are hard to come by but Ismail Mehmet Kavaz the son of Mehmet Katri was born in 1791[3] we can assume that Mehmet’s birth would be about 25-35 years previous.

In the mid 1700s Cyprus was plagued by epidemics and regular swarms of Locusts which was followed by years of severe drought saw the population decimated by death, pestilence and migration. The 1777 census by the Cypriot Archbishop Kyprianos put the population at only 84.000. How reliable the census was is questionable but what is clear is that the Cypriot population was in massive decline. With the Ottoman empire also in decline Cyprus was in dire straits, army deserters roamed around the Nicosia – Larnaca main road in order to rob and harass others as brigands. The village of Lurucina was smack in the middle of the two towns. The Authorities needed a person of courage and experience in controlling the area, it was against this backdrop that Mehmet Katri was offered large tracts of land in order to control, arrest and keep order.

Lurucina Ottoman census – 1879

The true extent of this land is not certain but a look at the Ottoman census on the ownership of land amongst Mehmet Katri’s grandchildren helps to give an indication of the extent to which this family were well rewarded for their service. This amounted to no less than 220 separately divided plots of land. The size of each varied depending on whether they were farm land or living accommodation. A look at the 1831 census of Muslim ownership of land in Lurucina showed that the whole village owned land equivalent to 2210 donums of which 112 were vineyards. [4] With a total population of only 104 Muslims divided into no more than 6-8 family groups it does not take rocket science to work out the massive percentage owned by the Katri family group. In fact according to the 1879-82 census only 4-5 family groups owned a few plots as opposed to many who just had their tiny homes and farm plots, if that.

For the state to have offered such large tracts of land for such a service it meant that Mehmet Katri must have had experience and a reputation that the authorities were very much aware of. He seemed to have built a small building as a post opposite the Phillidotissa Church near the main road; this also acted as a shelter when working the large tract of lands around the area. The building was still standing in 1882 as it was clearly identified (as Katrini) in Lord Kitchener’s map of Cyprus which he prepared soon after Britain took control in 1878. [5]

Mehmet Katri had four sons and as the land was extensive and fertile they cultivated large tracts of vineyards, and other farm produce. It turned out that one of his sons Yusuf (Aga) was a bit independent and often argued with his father. The Ottomans were constantly recruiting men for the army and Mehmet offered his son Yusuf believing that it may help change his attitude. Sadly in those days army service could last many years. As it turned out Yusuf taking after his father went on to become a successful soldier. A courageous man handy with the sword and shield in hand-to-hand combat, he became a bodyguard. He educated himself and earned the title of “Aga”. With no communication in those days and years having passed, the ageing Mehmet believing his son to be dead allocated the land to his remaining three sons, Kara-Mustafa ‘Hrisafi’, Veli and Ismail ‘Gacari’ leaving some for himself. On his release Yusuf feeling aggrieved at his father’s actions decided to settle in Nicosia where he became a judge (Yargic). [6]

In those days it was customary to leave a basket of produce by the edge of the fields as a courtesy for passersby, but under no circumstances were they allowed to go and help themselves in the fields. One day Mehmet Katri spotted two men helping themselves to the grapes and becoming angry, arrested and handed them to the police. By a strange coincidence the thieves were brought before Judge Yusuf Aga, his son and realising that the case involved his father, passed an unusual sentence on the men. They were to be escorted by police to go before Mehmet Katri, get on their knees, kiss his hand and beg for forgiveness. Anticipating his father’s anger at such a light sentence he ordered the police that if Mehmet wished to challenge this sentence then he had the right to appeal in person to the Judge. As it turned out when the thieves in the presence of police carried out their sentence Mehmet Katri became angry and asked the police “hangi deyus bu karari verdi”, (“what rascal has given this judgement” . He immediately accepted the message given by the police from the judge and went to Nicosia with the policemen. Entering the court house he repeated his previous statement. Coming face to face and staring at each other Mehmet soon recognised his son and they started to hug and kiss each other. After a long talk Mehmet persuaded Yusuf to come back to Lurucina where his share of the land was reinstated. Yusuf went on to have 5 children. Mehmet Can-Nuri, Veli ‘Kelle’, Bekir ‘Onbasi’, Yusuf ‘Aga’ (Bedasi) and Hacer who married Suleyman ‘Truho’.

Soon after Yusuf Aga settled back in Lurucina there was a wedding at Mehmet ‘Cemberli’s’ house. While the party was in full flow a number of Albanian soldiers who were stationed nearby entered the house fully armed and demanded that the local strongmen had the right to sleep the night with the bride before the groom. This obviously caused massive concern and fear. Someone suggested that they delay the proceedings in order to call Yusuf Aga for help in sorting out this unexpected intrusion. On receiving the news Yusuf dressed in full military uniform, with sword and shield in hand made his way to Cemberli’s house, standing on the front door, this unexpected sight alarmed the Albanian soldiers Yusuf lifting his sword smashed the oil light on the ceiling and advanced towards the Albanians. His advance convinced the so-called tough guys that they were up against an unusually fearless person and their next move was to run towards the nearest exit. [7] Judging by the issues in question this incident may have taken place in the 1820s. Strangely many Cypriots were often complaining about the arrogant and bullying methods of the Albanians who were based in Cyprus at the time. By the early 1830s most were replaced by Arabic (Mostly Egyptian) troops. [8] who seem to have integrated much better into the more gentle manner of the locals. There are a couple of family trees in Lurucina who originate from the Albanian and Bosnian people. These have been confirmed in the Ottoman census of the period, and until recently everyone called them by their family nickname of ‘Arnauti’ and ‘Bosnak’s’.[9]

Strangely my grandfather Yusuf Ismail ‘Phsillo’ born in 1904 often used to drink and when drunk used to burst in the room and smash the oil lamp with a long stick. He was simply emulating his great uncle’s actions. It was only after my extensive research that I mentioned the story of Yusuf Aga to my parents. On hearing my story my mother put her hand to her head and said ”my God so that’s what dad was always babbling on about”. Clearly the story was passed on from generations but not always so clearly.

We shall now concentrate on the fourth son of Mehmet Katri, his name was Ismail Mehmet ‘Kacari’. and Ismail’s son Mehmet Ismail born in 1810 was to become the first person that earned the name Kavaz.(Guard) Where and how is still unclear. Fortunately he survived at a time when casualties in the Ottoman army were immensely high. Perhaps serving as a guard rather than at the front line was a factor in his survival, for ordinary soldiers had little protection and conditions were atrocious to say the least. On the other hand no one at that period would have been a Kavaz unless they first proved their courage and toughness. Life was cheap, dangerous and clearly Mehmet was as tough as they came. This fact would become apparent, for his children and grandchildren would go on to become one of the most successful in the village. Many served as police, soldiers and more recently his great grandson Bekir ‘Gutsoveli’ the head of the Luricina defence force.

Mehmet Kavaz married Ayse Yusuf ‘Siliono’ in 1839 and they had 5 sons & 2 daughters. Strangely in addition to being my great great grandmother Ayse ‘Siliono’ was also my great great aunt from my father’s paternal Arabic family tree and sister to Hasan Yusuf ”Arabi”. This family originally settled in Pirga village before making a final move to Lurucina. In addition to inheriting large amounts of land from his father, Mehmet Kavaz must have earned a decent amount of wealth as Mehmet did in fact own a lot of land, and when his sons also returned from their service in the military the amount of land owned by the family was enormous. Mehmet continued his civilian life as a Resber and also had a large amount of animals which in the 1800s was a guaranteed source of wealth. Proof of this is that generations later in spite of constant distribution of inherited land there was still a substantial amount of land in the family. Ismail ‘Ismailo’ their first son was born in 1844 and he alone left tens of donums to his son Mehmet Ismail Kavaz ‘Ganu’ and according to the Descendants of Bekiro and Seido (Seyidali born in 1854) large amounts of land were owned by their relatives. The family homes were centred not far from the Mosque, between the stream and the Arabic ‘Siliono’ family. (As stated above this is my father’s paternal side of the family) while their farmland was spread outside many parts of the village. The union of these 2 families must have been a big event because the Ottoman records show that between the 2 families the plots of land amounted to 38 separate plots plus 80 sheep and goats, 2 cows, 3 donkeys and a mule for the Arabic family and 44 plots for the Mehmet Kavaz family plus 80 sheeps and goats, 2 cows, 3 donkeys. Together this amounted to no less than 82 separate plots of land. [10] An astronomical amount by the standards of the period.

Mehmet’s son Arif ‘Pasha’ married twice. The first wife died soon after having a son who was named Mehmet ‘Kaplan’. His second wife was a Greek lady who was a devout Christian Orthodox. Proof of this is that all their children were baptised and named Petros, Banayis, Yorgis and Athanasia. No doubt she must have had a great influence on her husband. For a man who served as a Kavaz with the title of Pasha, adopting such a drastic course would have created tremendous friction in the family. The family, except for Mehmet ‘Kaplan’ moved to Limassol and not much more is known about his baptised children. Hopefully one day they will see my family tree website and get in touch with me as learning about all aspects of my roots and links is so important and satisfying.

Bekir Mehmet Kavaz ‘Bekiro’ (another son of Mehmet Kavaz) was by most accounts a tough, well respected and devoted family man. The name Bekiro has been heard for many generations. On his return from the army he married the daughter of Mustafa Huseyin ‘Ushi’ and had two sons Mehmet ‘Bekiro’ and İsmail ‘Efendi’. Sadly like so many other women at the time she died young. Being a single parent in the 1880s-90s was no easy life. It was at this time that Pembe Mehmet ‘Gatsura’ also became a widow. Her husband Rustem Hasan (son of Hasan Yusuf ‘Arap/Siliono’) also died young leaving her with two sons Mehmet ‘Birgo’ and Yusuf ‘Abeydo’. As the deceased Rustems aunt (Hala in Turkish) was also the mother of Bekir Kavaz then arranging the couple to be married was considered to be a great ‘sebab’, after all with four children between them they had a lot in common. It turned out to be a successful marriage and together they had another four children. Veli ‘Gutsoveli’, Serife, Katriye and the youngest born in 1908 Osman. By all accounts all the children grew up as one family. Ismail ‘Efendi’ became one of the first teachers in the village. He features in a famous school photo taken in 1946 with his young students and my mother Fatma is also in the photo. The youngest Osman was a popular person at family weddings. Apparently he had a great voice and was often encouraged to sing at all family gatherings. Times may have been hard and stern but Luricinali families also knew how to have a good time.

İsmail Mehmet Kavaz (Ismailo), born in 1844, was my father’s maternal great-grandfather (my grandfather’s father). Unfortunately, I don’t have much information about his life. Contrary to the families living in those days, he had a small family. He had a son named Mehmet İsmail Kavaz born in 1878 [11] and a daughter named Melek (Yasena), who was a little older than him. It is not known whether Ismail died young. He also had a daughter named Şerife. She did not have any children. Family members have no information about İsmail Mehmet Kavaz ‘Ismailo’ other than that he had a wife whose name was Şerife. However, I have not found any information to support this.

The family of Seyit-ali/Seidali ‘Seido’ born in 1854 is much better known. But it’s on his daughter Keziban that we shall concentrate. The fate of this family is filled with courage, hardship, and tragedy along the way. But a legacy that is befitting the character of the people of Luricina and the Kavaz family.

Seyit-Ali’s daughter Keziban (1892-1955) married Mehmet Ramadan (11.05.1886 – 15.02.1972) Mehmet joined the police force and around the year 1905 – 1906 moved to Larnaca. Together they went on to have eleven children. With the onset of the second World war Seyit-Ali, and his twin brothers Hasan and Hussein enlisted into the Cyprus Regiment. It seems that the martial spirit of their grandfathers was still alive.

Mehmet Ramadan became a corporal, his job as a policeman meant that he was forced to move home on a regular basis. The twin sons Hasan and Hussein of Mehmet and Keziban were born near Limassol in 1922, while Seyit-Ali (named after his grand-dad Seyit-Ali Kavaz) was born in Larnaca in 1925.

In 1939 WW2 had begun, and by 1940-41 Nazi Germany had over-run Europe. The British Empire was fighting for its very survival. Turkish and Greek Cypriots rallied to the call of arms. In all 20.000 Cypriots volunteered to fight for Britain. The twins were amongst the first to volunteer, Seyit-Ali was too young so had to lie about his age in order to enlist. The British were asking no questions. The Cyprus Regiment was soon formed and Hasan was soon shipped out to help defend the island of Crete against the tough and experienced German paratroopers. Unfortunately Hasan was captured together with other Cypriots.

Many served out the war as prisoners but Hasan escaped and joined the partisans in Crete. Like other Luricinali’s his knowledge of the Greek language gave him a great advantage in passing off as a local Greek civilian. He came close to being captured a second time but escaped through the back of a house and fled to the mountains, where he continued to fight with the Resistance, until the British Army managed to liberate the Island and he returned back to his Unit in the 8th Army (better known as the desert rats) in North Africa. In the meantime his younger brother Seyit-Ali was doing his own stint.

Seyit M. Ramadan.

Corporal Seyit Mehmed Ramadan, witnessed many historical moments during WW2 (i.e.: the bombing and destruction of Monte Cassino) and got into quite a few scraps, also (whilst playing billiards in a café one winter in Senegalia and hearing a commotion outside he rushed to the rescue of a younger Greek Cypriot soldier, who was surrounded by an Italian mob and had been set upon, whilst others – including his fellow soldiers – stood by. Unleashing his belt he ”dived-in” and let loose, left/right and centre and, in his own words, ”liberated” him! He was so hyped-up that he picked up the bike of a bystander and threw it at them! But, they all had to leg-it, as the Military Police were on the way!) As an 18 year old, one night in March 1944 whilst on Guard Duty, he saved the life of his Platoon, whilst they slept. Apparently, he heard a noise in the distance and, of course, shouted out for them to halt and identify themselves. When no response came, after the third? time, he let out a shot. Obviously, everyone awoke and they went to investigate further, in the dark of the night, only to find a dead soldier. It turned out he was a German and Seyit killed him with a bullet to the forehead. He got very upset about killing a fellow human but his Platoon Commander told him that it was a very good thing that he had done, because he had saved all their lives. As, obviously, had he not done so, or been shot himself, the German soldiers would have proceeded to kill the rest of the platoon, whilst they all slept.

Seyit escaped death on many occasions. The first was when he was on a ship, one night before landing, and they were being bombed. He later told his daughter that he was convinced he would not see his 18th birthday! On another occasion, whilst in Haifa (Palestine), he was walking down the main street, when he was stopped by some Jewish Freedom Fighters (who were not averse to killing the odd British Soldier) and only escaped with his life, because he told them he wasn’t English but Turkish Cypriot! That convinced him to leave the Army and so, in June 1947 he was demobbed and returned to Cyprus. He was due to join the Cyprus Police Force and all his uniform was laid out for the next day, but Seyit didn’t want to stay in Cyprus so he came to England! For Seyit the event of his brother’s death overshadowed all that took place during the War, and is the most important link to that time. [12]

In 1943 the allies invaded Italy and Seyit-Ali’s unit was one of the first to enter Rome. The war was not over but the Allies were advancing on all fronts, but tragedy was to engulf the family. It was on 9 September1944 when Hussein (one of the twin brothers) was leading a convoy in the mountains of Italy. As it had been raining the roads were narrow, slippery and treacherous without any warning an American convoy suddenly came head on from around the bend. His motorbike skidded forcing him off and caused terrible injuries and he died. The official version was ‘battle accident’ and he was buried at the Ancona military cemetery where he still lies today. On his tombstone he is listed as ‘Corporal Hussein Mehmet, CY/1217’. [13]

As for recognition, there is a letter from Prince Charles to Seyit, which acknowledges his contribution to WW2, but sadly has not been found since he died a few years ago. In addition he had other letters, from The Queen, Prince Phillip, Prime Ministers etc. This family’s sense of duty and honour seems to have seeped down through the generations and the younger generation are no doubt proud of their forefathers achievements

Another great achievement of any Luricinali was that of Alper Mehmet. Becoming an ambassador for the UK to Iceland in 2004. No doubt as an extended family the whole of our village felt the pride as in one’s son

Alp Mehmet (born Alper Mehmet) is a former British diplomat and one of the Alp Mehmet United Kingdom’s first two ethnic minority ambassadors.

Mehmet arrived in the United Kingdom from Cyprus in 1956 when he was aged eight. He was educated at Parmiter’s Grammar School in the East End of London, and at Bristol Polytechnic. On graduation from Bristol, he became an immigration officer (1970–79) and then an entry clearance officer in Lagos, Nigeria (1979–83). In 1983, he entered Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service, serving in Romania, Germany and Iceland (twice) and leaving in 2008. When he was appointed as Ambassador to Iceland in 2004, he became one of the first two British ambassadors from ethnic minority backgrounds to be appointed (the other being Anwar Choudhury, who was appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh). [14] He now sits on the advisory council of Migration Watch UK

In the 1960s & 1970s my uncle Osman Yusuf ‘Pire’ served for many years as a volunteer military man. He became a non-commissioned officer, and had a reputation for always volunteering himself on dangerous tasks and after 15 years of service he finally resigned to work as a builder. In 2013 the state awarded him a medal for his contribution to the people of Lurucina and his people. [15] What strikes me about him is that like most veterans he never boasts about his achievements and is on the surface a very placid, gentle person. But when I visited him, I clearly sensed his pride when I requested to take a photo of him with his awarded medal. It seems only the inner strength and courage of these individuals come to the surface if and when it is needed.

It’s clear from the above that the Mehmet Katri family was no ordinary family. The tradition of military toughness and courage has been passed down through generations. The latest being the son of Ayse & Tuncer Mehmet & grandson of Mehmet Seyit-Ali ‘Mono’, who by a strange coincidence carries his great granddad’s name Mehmet Kavaz.

Mehmet served as a Colour Sergeant (a guard to the flag bearer). in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, an infantry regiment. Though it has no fixed ”home” i.e. the regimental headquarters is The Tower of London. Mehmet’s long career since 1989 has seen him serve in many parts of the world like Bosnia, Cyprus, Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada and the Falklands all during the 90’s and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan this century. Mehmet cuts an amazing figure of a man. Tall, good looking tough but never short of a smile which reveals his amazingly positive attitude to life. He married Corrine in February of 2005 and they have two strapping sons named Adam and Jacob. It seems Mehmet’s desire to continue his proud career has not diminished. In fact he is now currently an Army Careers Advisor for the British Army. [16]

No doubt the spirit that brought Mehmet Katri and the Kavaz’s to Lurucina runs in the veins of the present day youth. So the sons of the Katri’s/Kavaz seem to be in many corners of the world. Taking their achievements and pride of their ancestors with them. In love or in tragedy one thing is certain, their gentle shadow still looms over the hills and valleys of Lurucina from whence they came.

[1] Wikipedia & Encyclopaedia Britannica

[2] Hasan Yücelen. Akincilar/Lurucina The One Hundred Years of Existential Struggle of the Turks page 29.

[3] General Directorate of State Archives of the Republic of Turkey. 1831-3 Ottoman Population Archives. State National archives of The Republic of Turkey. 1831 Ottoman census Page 145.. “Cyprus under Ottoman Administration, Population-Land Distribution”

[4] General Directorate of State Archives of the Republic of Turkey. 1831-3 Ottoman Population Archives. State National archives of The Republic of Turkey. 1831 Ottoman census Page 145. “Cyprus under Ottoman Administration, Population-Land Distribution”.

[5] Maps of Lord Kitchener. Section 10, drawn in 1882, and published in 1885.

[6] Akincilar/Lurucina The Turks’ Centennial Struggle for Existence pages 30-33

[7] Akincilar/Lurucina The Turks’ Centennial Struggle for Existence pages 30-33

[8] A heritage of 400 years by Cyprus Foundations Administration.

[9] Ottoman census of 1879. Doc No; 164-a-2 (327) 5720. & Doc No; 154-a-3. (307) 5383.

[10] Ottoman census of 1879. Doc No; 160-a-3 (319) No; 5594 & Doc No : 158-a-2 (315) 5513.

[11] Ottoman census. Doc No; 160-a-3 (319) 5594.

[12] Family memoirs of Tina Kemran (daughter of Seyit Mehmet.

[13] Military service record of ‘Corporal Hussein Mehmet, Issue of campaign service medals to next of kin. 01.04.1998.

[14] Wikipedia.

[15] Osman Yusuf Pire.

[16] Mehmet Kavaz.

Mehmet Katri Family History

The name Katri is also an interesting name. Because it is not just a name. The origin of the name Katri is Quadiriyyah. The Quadiri order is one of the oldest Sufi orders. It was named after Abdul-Qadir Gilani, who lived between 1077-1166. Gilani was from the Mazandaran province of Iran. This order was the most widespread in the Islamic religion and covered many regions of Central Asia, Turkey, Cyprus, the Balkans, and East and West Africa. Qadiriyyah did not develop any doctrine or teaching outside of mainstream Islam. Members of this order believed in the basic principles of Islam but interpreted them through mystical experiences. The name was given to some people who followed the Qadiriyyah order. [1] It is not clear what this meant for our ancestor Mehmet Katri/Kadri. What is clear is that during the Ottoman period, it was normal for a person to take the name of the order he was affiliated with. Many Janissaries were followers of the Qadri order.

The history of Mehmet Katri’s family from Luricina goes back 11 generations). Hasan Yücelen writes that Mehmet Katri came from Manisa district of Türkiye and settled first in Dali and then in Luricina. [2] Although the exact date of arrival in Luricina is not known, since Mehmet Katri’s grandson Mehmet İsmail Kavaz was born in 1810,[3] it can be estimated that Mehmet Kadri came to Luricina 40-60 years before this date.

In the late 1700s, Cyprus was under the influence of epidemics, frequently invaded by locust swarms, and years of famine devastated the population, causing deaths and migration. In the 1777 Census, Archbishop Kyprianos showed the population as only 84,000. The reliability of this census is debatable, but the population of Cyprus was in great decline. The fact that the Ottoman Empire was also in decline made Cyprus even more difficult. Deserters were roaming around the Nicosia-Larnaca road, harassing the people and robbing them like bandits. The village of Luricina was right in the middle of these two cities. The authorities needed someone brave and experienced to control the region. In this context, Mehmet Katri was assigned to the village, given a large amount of land to carry out this duty. He was given the authority to arrest criminals and control the region when necessary.

The exact size of the land given to Katri is not clear. However, it can be understood from the Ottoman census that the family was generously rewarded for the services they provided from the lands owned by Mehmet Kadri’s grandchildren. The land area covered 220 parcels of land. The size of each area varied according to whether it was living space or agricultural land. In the 1831 census, Muslim land ownership in Lurucina covered 2210 acres for the entire village, 112 acres of which were vineyards. [4] Considering that the Muslim population was only 104 and that they were divided among only 6-8 family groups, it is not difficult to understand that the Katri family had a very large area of land. The 1879-1882 census shows that only 4 or 5 families owned large plots of land, while the rest had only a small area where they could build their tiny houses and cultivate for their living. It was probably because of his experience and reputation that Mehmet Katri was given such large areas of land by the authorities for his services. He had built a small building as a guard post on the main road, opposite the Phillidotissa church. This was also used as a shelter when he worked the large agricultural fields in the area. This building was still standing in 1882 and was marked as “Katrini” on Lord Kitchener’s map of Cyprus in 1878, shortly after the island came under British control. [5] Mehmet Katri’s four sons also cultivated vineyards and other agricultural crops on large areas of land, since the agricultural fields were very large and fertile. One of his sons, Yusuf (Agha), was quite independent and constantly argued with his father. At that time, the Ottomans were constantly drafting soldiers. Mehmet enlisted his son Yusuf in the military, believing that he would change his attitude. In those years, his military service could be very long.

Yusuf became a very good soldier, taking his father’s example. Since he was brave, could use the sword and shield very well and was very good at hand-to-hand combat, he was assigned as a guard. He trained himself and received the title of “Agha”. Since communication was not possible in those days and many years had passed, Mehmet, who was getting older, thought that Yusuf was dead and reserved some of his lands for himself and divided them among his other three sons, Kara Mustafa (Hrisafi), Veli, and Ismail (Gacari). After completing his military service, Yusuf felt aggrieved by his father’s action and settled in Lefkoşa and became a judge. [6]

In those days, it was customary to leave a basket of produce on the edge of the field for passing travelers. However, people were never allowed to go to the gardens and fields to collect the produce. One day, Mehmet Katri saw two people picking grapes in his garden and got angry and arrested them and handed them over to the police. By a strange coincidence, the thieves were brought before Judge Yusuf Ağa. Realizing that the case concerned his father, the judge gave the thieves a strange sentence. The thieves were to be taken before Mehmet Katri under police escort, kneel down, kiss his hand and ask for forgiveness. Anticipating that his father would be very angry at such a light sentence, Yusuf Ağa gave instructions to the police and asked them to tell his father that if he was not happy with the sentence, he could personally appeal the sentence. As the judge had predicted, when the thieves served their sentences under police escort, Mehmet Kadri became furious and asked the police, “Which idiot made this decision?” (Hasan Yücelen, page 33). He accepts the message sent to him by the judge and goes to Lefkoşa with the police to exercise his right of appeal. He repeats the words he said before at the entrance of the court. When he comes face to face with the judge, he looks at him closely and recognizes his son. Father and son embrace and kiss each other. After a long conversation, he convinces his father Yusuf Ağa to return to Luricina and his share of the land is transferred to him. Yusuf later has 5 children. Mehmet Cannuri, Veli (Kelle), Bekir (Corporal), Yusuf (Ağa) (Bedasi), and Hacer (who marries Süleyman (Truho)).

Shortly after Yusuf Ağa returned to Lurucina, a wedding was held in Mehmet’s (Çemberli) house. While the wedding was in progress, a group of armed Albanian soldiers entered and, as the local bullies, demanded the right to sleep with the bride before the groom. This naturally caused great anxiety and fear. Some suggested that they should stop the wedding and ask Yusuf Ağa to solve this unexpected problem. Learning about the situation, Yusuf Ağa dressed himself in military uniform from head to toe, took his sword and shield in his hand and headed for Çemberli’s house. The Albanian soldiers panicked when they saw him at the door. Yusuf raised his sword, shattered the gas lamp hanging from the ceiling and advanced on the Albanians. Yusuf’s attitude made the Albanians realize that they were facing an extraordinarily fearless person, and the so-called bullies quickly ran to the door and escaped. [7] It is thought that this incident took place in the 1820s. At that time, many Cypriots complained about the arrogant and tyrannical attitude of the Albanians on the island. In the late 1830s, the Albanians were replaced by Arabs, mostly from Egypt [8], who adapted better to the tolerant nature of the society. There are some families in Lurucina of Albanian and Bosnian origin. This was confirmed in the Ottoman census of the time. Until recently, these families were known by their family nicknames “Arnauti” and “Bosniaks”. [9]

Strangely enough, my grandfather Yusuf Ismail (Phsillo), who was born in 1904, had a habit of quickly entering a room and breaking the gas lamp with his long stick when he got drunk. He was imitating his great uncle’s actions. As a result of my detailed research, when I told the story of Yusuf Ağa to my family, my mother put her head in her hands and said, “Oh my God, so that’s what my father was muttering.” Apparently, the story had been passed down from generation to generation, although not explicitly.

Now let’s focus on Ismail Mehmet (Kaçari) and his son Mehmet Ismail, born in 1810. Mehmet was the first person to earn the name Kavaz (kavaz means guard). It is not known where and how he achieved this. He was able to survive by chance at a time when the number of dead and wounded in the Ottoman army was very high. Perhaps the fact that he was a guard, not on the front lines, played an important role in this. Because ordinary soldiers were doing their military service without protection and under very difficult conditions. On the other hand, no one could earn the title of Kavaz at that time without first proving their bravery. Life was cheap and full of dangers, and Mehmet was obviously a tough, difficult person. This would become clear in the future. Because Mehmet’s children became the most successful people in the village. Many of them are now police officers and soldiers. Recently, his son’s grandson Bekir (Gutsoveli) was appointed as the commander of the Luricina Defense Force.

Mehmet Kavaz married Ayşe Yusuf (Siliono) in 1839 and they had 5 sons and 2 daughters. Ayşe (Siliono) was my great-grandmother, my great-aunt from my father’s side of Arab origin and the sister of Hasan Yusuf (Arabi). This family first settled in the village of Pirga and later came to Lurucina. In addition to inheriting a large amount of land from his father, Mehmet Kavaz must have become quite wealthy himself, because he had a large amount of land. When his sons completed their military service and returned, the family had a huge amount of land. Mehmet spent his civilian life farming. In addition, having a large number of animals was a great and guaranteed source of wealth in the 1800s. The proof of this is the large amount of land the family owned, despite the distribution of inherited property over the generations.

Their first child, Ismail (Ismailo), who was born in 1844, left tens of thousands of acres of land to his son Mehmet Ismail Kavaz (Ganu). According to the grandchildren of Bekiro and Seido (Seyidali, born in 1854), a lot of land was left to their family. Their family house was in a place close to the mosque, between the stream and the houses of the Siliono family of Arab origin. As I mentioned above, this family was my relatives from my father’s side. Their fields were spread out over many large areas outside the village.

The coming together of these two families was apparently a major event. Ottoman records state that there were 38 parcels of land parceled between the two families, 80 sheep and goats, 2 cows, and 3 donkeys. When combined, the land area comprised a total of 82 plots. [10] This was an enormous amount for the time.

Mehmet’s son Arif (Pasha) was married twice. His first wife died shortly after giving birth to their son Mehmet (Kaplan). His second wife was a devout Greek and very devoted to the Orthodox Christian faith. This can be seen in the children they baptized and named Petros, Banayis, Yorgis, and Anastasia. It is clear that the woman had a great influence on her husband. The fact that a person who served as a Kavaz and had the title of Pasha would allow such an extreme practice must have caused a great fight within the immediate family. The family members, except Mehmet (Kaplan), emigrated to Limassol. Nothing is known about the baptized children. I hope that one day they will see my family tree website and contact me. Because it is very important and gratifying for me to have information about all the elements of my family.

Bekir Mehmet Kavaz (Bekiro)

Bekir Mehmet Kavaz is another son of ‘Bekiro’ Mehmet Kavaz. According to rumors, he was also a brave, respected and devoted person to his family. The name Bekiro has been on everyone’s lips for generations. After returning from military service, he marries Mustafa Hüseyin’s (Uşi) daughter and has two sons named Mehmet (Bekiro) and İsmail (Efendi). However, his wife, like many women, dies untimely. It was not easy to be a single-parent family in the 1880s and 1990s. At this time, Pembe Mehmet (Gatsura) was also widowed. Her husband Rustem Hasan (Hasan Yusuf’s son (Arab/Siliono) also died young, leaving her alone with her sons Mehmet (Birgo) and Yusuf (Abeydo). Rustem’s aunt was also Bekir Kavaz’s mother. It was considered a good deed to marry two people whose spouses died. They also shared many things because they each had two children. The marriage was very successful and the couple had 4 more children together. Veli (Gutsoveli), Serife, Katriye and the youngest, Osman, born in 1908. The 8 children grew up together. Ismail (Efendi) became one of the first teachers in the village. My mother Fatma is also in the school photo taken with her young students in 1946. Their youngest child, Osman, was a popular figure at family weddings. It is said that he had a very beautiful voice and was always encouraged to sing at weddings. Although the conditions of the time were harsh and cruel, the people of Lurucina knew how to have a good time.

Ismail Mehmet Kavaz (Ismailo) was my father’s maternal great-grandfather (my grandfather’s father), born in 1844. Unfortunately, I do not have much information about his life. Unlike other families living at the same time, he had a small family. He had a son named Mehmet Ismail Kavaz, born in 1878 [11], and a daughter named Melek (Yasena), who was a little older than him. It is not known whether he died young or not. He also had a daughter named Şerife. He had no children. Other than the fact that his family members had a wife named Şerife, Ismailo has no information about Ismail Mehmet Kavaz ‘Ismailo’. However, I have not come across any information to support this.

The family of Seyit-Ali/Seidali (Seido), who was born in 1854, is much better known. However, we will focus on his daughter Keziban. The life of this family is full of courage, hardship, and tragedy. However, the character of the Kavaz family, which they left behind, is very well compatible with the structure of the Luricina villagers.

Seyit-Ali’s daughter Keziban (1892-1955) was married to Mehmet Ramadan (11.05.1886 – 15.02.1972). Mehmet became a police officer in 1905 or 1906 and they moved to Larnaca. They had 11 children together. With the start of World War II, Seyit-Ali and his twin brothers Hasan and Hüseyin joined the Cyprus regiment of the British army. Their grandfather’s fighting spirit still lived on. Mehmet Ramadan became a police corporal. He constantly moved from place to place due to his duty. Mehmet and Keziban’s twin sons were born in Limassol in 1922, and Seyit-Ali, named after his grandfather Seyit-Ali Kavaz, was born in Larnaca in 1925. World War II began in 1939 and Nazi Germany spread throughout Europe in 1940-1941. The British Empire was fighting for its survival. Many Turkish and Greek men responded to the call to join the war and enlisted as soldiers. The twin brothers were among the first volunteers. Since Seyit-Ali was still very young, he joined the army by hiding his real age. The British didn’t ask many questions at the time. The Cyprus Regiment was formed and Hasan was sent to the island of Crete as part of a group that would assist in the efforts to liberate it from experienced German paratroopers. However, Hasan was taken prisoner by the Germans along with other Cypriots.

Many remain as prisoners until the end of the war. But Hasan escapes and joins the Cretan partisan army. Like many Luricinas, his knowledge of the Greek language gives him the advantage of being mistaken for a Greek civilian. He faces the danger of being taken prisoner a second time, but he escapes from the back of his house to the mountains and fights with the Cretan resistance against the Germans. When the British army liberates the island, he returns to his unit, the 8th Army, known as the Desert Rats in North Africa. In the meantime, his younger brother Seyit-Ali is doing his own duty.

Corporal Seyit Mehmed Ramadan witnessed many historical events during the war (such as the bombing and destruction of Monte Casino). While playing billiards in a cafe in Senegal, he heard the commotion outside and ran outside. A Greek Cypriot soldier was being beaten by Italian soldiers who surrounded him. His own comrades-in-arms were content to watch the incident. Seyit Mehmed Ramadan took off his belt and jumped into the fight and started to rain blows on the people around him. In his own words, he “liberated” the Greek soldier. Unable to control himself, he picked up a bicycle that was standing there and threw it at the Italians. At that moment, everyone started to run away in panic. Military police arrived at the scene. At the age of 18, on an evening in March 1944, while on general guard duty, he saved the lives of the soldiers in his platoon. Hearing a voice in the distance, he asked them to stop and make themselves known. When there was no response, he fired a single shot. The waking soldiers investigate and come across a dead German soldier. Seyit killed the German by shooting him in the middle of the forehead with the bullet he fired. He is deeply affected by this incident. He has somehow taken the life of a person. The platoon commander consoles him and tells him that he did a very good thing, otherwise all his fellow soldiers would have lost their lives. If he had not done this or if he had been shot, all his fellow soldiers would have been killed by the Germans while they were asleep.

Seyit escaped death many times. The first time was when the ship he was on was bombed the night before landing and he experienced the fear of death. Later, he told his daughter that he did not think he would have the chance to turn 18 that night. Another time, he came face to face with death while in Haifa (Palestine). While walking on the main road, he encountered a group of Jewish Freedom Fighters (who sometimes did not hesitate to kill British soldiers). He saved his life by telling them that he was not British but Turkish Cypriot. This incident showed him that it was time to give up military service. He was discharged in June 1947 and returned to Cyprus. He was about to start his duty in the Cyprus Police Force. His uniform was ready for the next day. However, Seyit-Ali did not want to stay in Cyprus. For him, his brother’s death overshadowed all the events of the war and was the most important event of that period. [12]

When the Allied Forces invaded Italy in 1943, Seyit-Ali was among the first to enter Rome. The war was not over yet, but the Allies were advancing on all fronts. The family was about to face tragedy. On September 9, 1944, one of the twin brothers, Hüseyin, was leading a convoy through the mountains of Italy. The narrow roads were slippery and dangerous because of the constant rain. Suddenly, an American convoy appeared from the opposite bend. Hüseyin’s motorcycle skidded and threw him to one side. Hüseyin, who was badly injured, lost his life. The official explanation of the incident was given as a “war accident”. Hüseyin was buried in the Ancona military cemetery. He lies there today. On his tombstone is written “Corporal Hussein Mehmet, CY/1217”. [13] As a token of appreciation, Seyit received a letter from Prince Charles for his contribution to the war effort. However, this document could not be found after his death a few years ago. In addition to this letter, there are letters sent to Seyit from the Queen, Prince Phillip, and Prime Ministers. The family’s sense of duty and honor has been passed down from generation to generation, causing younger generations to take pride in their ancestors’ achievements.

Among the most successful Luricinas, I must mention the achievements of Alper Mehmet. All Luricinas are proud of Alper Mehmet’s success, who was appointed as the Ambassador to Iceland in 2004. Alp Mehmet (born Alper Mehmet), a former diplomat, is one of the first two ethnic ambassadors to the United Kingdom. Mehmet came to the United Kingdom from Cyprus in 1956. He was educated at Parmiter Grammar School in East London and Bristol Polytechnic. After graduating from Bristol, he served as an Immigration Officer between 1970 and 1979, and as a visa officer in Lagos, the capital of Nigeria, between 1979 and 1983. He joined the Diplomatic Service in 1983 and served in Romania, Germany and twice in Iceland. He left his post in 2008. When he was appointed as the Ambassador to Iceland in 2004, he was one of the first two ambassadors of ethnic minority origin (the other being Anwar Choudhury, who was appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh). [14] He currently serves on the advisory board of ‘Migration Watch UK’.

In the 1960s and 1970s, my uncle Osman Yusuf (Pire) served voluntarily in the military for many years. He was famous for taking on many dangerous tasks as an official. After 15 years of service, he left the military and now works as a building builder. Three years ago, the state awarded him an honorary medal for his services to Luricina and its people. [15] One thing I admire about him is that, like other veterans, he never boasts about his achievements. At first glance, he is a very calm and docile person. When I visited him in November and wanted to take a photo with his medal, I clearly felt his pride. So, the moral strength and courage of these people only come to the surface when necessary.

As can be understood from the above description, the Mehmet Katri family is not an ordinary family. The traditional military toughness and courage of the family has been passed down from generation to generation. As a final example, I would like to show the son of Ayşe and Tuncer Mehmet, the grandson of Mehmet Seyit-Ali (Mono). This person, coincidentally, bears the name of his great-grandfather, Mehmet Kavaz. Mehmet is currently serving as a flag sergeant (colour sergeant) in the Royal Infantry Regiment. Although the regiment does not have a specific location, the regiment’s headquarters is considered the ‘Tower of London’. Mehmet’s long-term duty, which began in 1989, took him to Bosnia, Cyprus, Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada, and the Falkland Islands in the 1990s. In this century, he served in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Mehmet is very tall, has a handsome appearance, and his smile is never absent. This is indicative of his positive outlook on life. He married Corine in February 2005 and they have a son, Adam, now 3. At 43 years old, Mehmet’s determination to continue his honourable duty has never waned. He now works as a Careers advisor for the British Army. [16]

Undoubtedly, the spirit that brought Mehmet Katri to Luricina still lives in the veins of the young generation today. The children of Katri/Kavaz have spread to every corner of the world with their success and the pride of their ancestors. In love or tragedy, one thing is certain. Their gentle shadows still roam the hills and valleys of Luricina from which they came.

[1] Wikipedia

[2] Hasan Yücelen. Akıncılar/Lurucina The Turks’ Hundred Years of Struggle for Existence page 29

[3] Ottoman census of 1879. Doc No; 160-a-3 (319) No; 559.

[5] Maps of Lord Kitchener. Section 10, drawn in 1882, and published in 1885

[6] Hasan Yücelen. Akıncılar/Lurucina The Turks’ Hundred Years of Struggle for Existence, pages 30-33

[7] Hasan Yücelen. Akıncılar/Lurucina The Turks’ Hundred Years of Struggle for Existence, pages 30-33

[8] A heritage of 400 years by Cyprus Foundations Administration.

[9] Ottoman census of 1879. Doc No; 164-a-2 (327) 5720. & Doc No; 154-a-3. (307) 5383.

[10] Ottoman census of 1879. Doc No; 160-a-3 (319) No; 5594 & Doc No : 158-a-2 (315) 5513.

[11] Ottoman census. Doc No; 160-a-3 (319) 5594.

[12] Family memoirs of Tina Kemran (daughter of Seyit Mehmet).

[13] ] Military service record of ‘Corporal Hussein Mehmet, Issue of campaign service medals to next of kin. 01.04.1998