The Concept of Mevlit in Turkish Cypriot History

The Mevlit news, pictured below, was published on the first page of the Turkish newspaper "Kıbrıs" dated 1893.

In the news published on the first page of Kıbrıs newspaper, Hz. It is stated that the birth of Muhammad was a happy and blessed event for the Islamic world, the minarets and buildings in Nicosia were decorated with oil lamps, the night was spent with joy, and the next day the Turks of the island accompanied the Quran being read in the Hagia Sophia Mosque-Sharif (Selimiye).

The Concept of Mevlit in Turkish Cypriot History

Another attribute of Cyprus is that it is the land of companions, martyrs and saints. The existence of many mosques, lodges and Islamic shrines on the island proves that Islam is an integral reality of this island. In other words, Turkish Cypriots, who have made this island their homeland for centuries, are the carriers of the Islamic heritage on the Mediterranean island to the present day.

Just like today, centuries ago, the call to prayer was recited on this island, the month of Ramadan was lived to the fullest, and all kinds of lamps were celebrated. When we scan the old text (Ottoman Turkish) Turkish Cypriot newspapers, it is possible to read in the pages of the Cypriot newspapers of the period that the people gave importance to religious holidays and holy days and fulfilled their religious obligations.

Although the birthday of our Prophet is not a public holiday in many Muslim countries (including Turkey), Mawlid day has been a public holiday in Cyprus for years.