Charcoal of Cyprus

Black thick smoke from burning wood piles under soil and black charcoal dust, are the welcome committee upon arrival at a pit. The sun burned owner with a distinctive v shape on his torso, weaves his head and lights a cigarette. His handshake is a true strong statement. For years at Kato Pyrgos Tillyria (Paphos district) in Cyprus, among other things, was also known for its charcoal production. Back in the days, dozens of families were in the business producing and even exporting charcoal. Although the production is getting less and less every year, these people take pride of what they do. Most of them learned the job from their parents and grandparents. Due to government limitations, mostly for environmental reasons and at the same time of cheaper charcoal imports, the overall local production over the last years is in constant decline. Very few charcoal producers are left and they really struggle to survive. So far young people are not interested in carrying most of the family owned businesses. A tradition is barely kept alive.