Turkish Cypriot religious leader, the Mufti of Cyprus, Talip Atalay, has described Saturday`s pilgrimage to the Hala Sultan Mosque, in Larnaca, by more than 1,000 Turkish Cypriots, proof of peaceful coexistence between the island`s two communities.
Speaking after morning prayers, at the mosque, situated in the southern government controlled part of Cyprus, he thanked everybody who has helped realise this pilgrimage, in particular the head of the Greek Orthodox church Archbishop Chrysostomos and the Swedish embassy here.
“Today`s pilgrimage proves that people of different faith can coexist and live peacefully in the same area with tolerance,” he said, noting that Islam advocates peace.
He also said that the faithful must not lose hope for a peaceful solution in Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
“Peace for us, peace for all our neighbours,” he added.
Salpy Eskidjian, of the office of the religious track of the Cyprus peace process, said that the pilgrimage shows that religion can play a very positive role in building peace and respect for religious sites is a fundamental element in the dialogue and the coexistence of people.
Such events can build trust and help develop human relations, she added.
Turkish Cypriots and other Moslems who participated in the prayers returned to the northern Turkish occupied areas by bus, escored by police.
This is not the first time Turkish Cypriot pilgrims from the occupied areas have crossed to the Tekke to pray. Similarly, Greek Cypriot pilgrims have on several occasions been allowed by the occupation regime to pray in Greek orthodox churches in occupied Cyprus.
Cyprus has been divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern part. Several crossing points have opened since April 2003, when the Turkish Cypriot regime lifted partially restrictions it had imposed on the free movement of people to and from the occupied areas.
