United Nations Special Representative for Cyprus Visits Cyprus Evkaf Administration

United Nations (UN) Special Representative for Cyprus, Kasim Diagne, and his deputy, Aderemi Adeyoka, visited the Director General of the Cyprus Evkaf Administration, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer, and the Head of Religious Affairs, Hakan Moral, at the Evkaf Administration headquarters.

The agenda of the visit included the preservation of Cyprus's multicultural and multi-faith structure, the perpetuation of cultural and religious heritage, and its transmission to future generations. In this context, the reopening of the Binatlı Mosque in Southern Cyprus for worship and visits to the Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca were also discussed.

Cultural heritage and visit opportunities were discussed during the meeting.

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer stated during the meeting that Turkish Cypriots can usually only visit the Hala Sultan Tekke during religious holidays and that increasing the number of visits would be beneficial. Recalling that over 100 religious ceremonies are held annually between Southern Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, he emphasized the importance of extending similar practices to Turkish Cypriots within the framework of equal treatment.

UN Representative made assessments regarding the institution's role

UN Special Representative for Cyprus, Kasım Diagne, stated that the activities of the Cyprus Evkaf Administration are not limited to protecting cultural and historical structures; they also strengthen mutual understanding between communities. Diagne noted that the institution's work contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of inter-communal understanding.

Messages from the Cyprus Evkaf Administration were shared

The Director General of the Cyprus Evkaf  Administration, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer, stated that the culture of foundations is a common value belonging not only to the Muslim community but to all humanity. The Head of Religious Affairs, Hakan Moral, stated that the preservation of religious structures and the free and continuous access of communities to these structures contribute to strengthening social trust.

The Importance of the Visit and its Contribution to the Future

This visit laid an important foundation for the preservation of cultural heritage and the strengthening of inter-community understanding. The coming together of different parties presented a valuable opportunity for future cooperation and constructive steps.

At the end of the meeting, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer presented Mr. Kasım Diagne and his team with a significant work compiled from the Sharia Registers, published by the Cyprus Evkaf  Administration, shedding light on the Ottoman period, thus highlighting the importance of cultural heritage.