This picture shows the Hala sultan mosque in Haspolat (called Mia Milia by Greek Cypriots), in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), on July 7, 2018. – In the flat sunbaked fields north of the Cypriot capital Nicosia, a massive Turkey-funded Ottoman-styled mosque with four minarets has caused a stir in the largely secular Muslim society. (Photo by Matthieu CLAVEL / AFP) (Photo credit should read MATTHIEU CLAVEL/AFP/Getty Images)
Source: Politico
By
NICOSIA — On the northern edge of Europe’s last divided capital, signs of Turkey’s growing influence are hard to miss.
A brand-new mosque, sponsored by Ankara, towers over the Turkish Cypriot suburbs of Nicosia. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan inaugurated the massive building this summer, stirring unease among northern Cyprus’ largely secular citizens.
Many Turkish Cypriots are increasingly concerned about what Ankara’s tightening grip — coupled with Erdoğan’s authoritarian and Islamist bent — might mean for their future, fearing that rising religious conservatism could become an obstacle to reconciling with Greek Cypriots to the south.
Categories: Middle East, The Muslim Times, Turkey