Moslems living in Cyprus’ northern Turkish occupied areas crossed this morning into the southern government controlled part of the island for a pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke, a prominent Muslim shrine, on the southern coast of the island, near Larnaca.
Around seven hundred Muslims, living in the northern Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus, have crossed into the southern government-controlled part of the island for a pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke Hala in Larnaka, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
The pilgrimage was organised to celebrate the Muslim feast of Eid Al Adha or Kurban Bayram.
According to the Police, the transportation of the pilgrims to the shrine began in the morning at 10 a.m. and fifteen buses carried the pilgrims.
The buses arrived at the mosque escorted by the Police while a helicopter was flying over the site. The Police took strict security measures, closing the road in front of the mosque and forbidding entrance to the site to other visitors.
The pilgrimage takes place after the government of Cyprus gave its permission, allowing Moslems to pray at a very important religious site.
The buses came through one of several check points operating along the 180 kilometre long cease-fire line, which is monitored by the UN, to facilitate the movement of people to and from the occupied areas.
Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to lead to a political settlement that would reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
The pilgrimage takes place after the government of Cyprus gave its permission, allowing Moslems to pray at a very important religious site.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Several check points operate along the 180 long ceasefire line, which is monitored by the UN, since the Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus lifted partially restrictions on the free movement of people in April 2003. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to lead to a political settlement that would reunite the country.