Construction of Mosque resumes at Apostolos Andreas Monastery in Turkish-Occupied Cyprus

The construction of a “masjid” (small mosque, Muslim prayer space) in the Apostolos Andreas area has resumed, according to the Turkish Cypriot Press.

The Apostolos Andreas monastery, presently under the control of the de facto administration of the occupied territories, remains an important religious monument for Orthodox Christians in the island.

The construction of a masjid has thus been controversial.

The Church of Cyprus and the government of the Republic of Cyprus have both opposed its construction in the past, noting that such action would alter the religious character of one of the most important religious monuments on the island.

As reported by “Bugün Kıbrıs,” construction activities for the mosque continue in the cells area of Apostolos Andreas.

Confirming the information regarding the project’s continuation, the “mayor” of Rizokarpaso – Aigialousa, Hamit Bakırcı, stated that 12 cells would be utilized for tourist purposes, with two of them serving the future mosque.

“We have 12 rooms (cells). We have started repairs, and two of them will be designated for the masjid. The others will be transformed into rooms providing accommodation services. We will offer showers, toilets, beds, and air conditioning. Tourists visiting the area will be able to stay there. We plan to open the gates in the summer,” mentioned Mr. Bakırcı.

He further stated, “We are beautifying the square, which is the centre of religious tourism. The road and the square need to be organised. Incoming tourists should not see this current situation,” emphasising that the planned masjid does not overshadow the monastery.

The Turkish Cypriot website recalls that the masjid’s construction project at Apostolos Andreas Monastery had previously been halted amidst reactions earlier in the summer.

Source: in-cyprus.philenews