The Religious Affairs Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prof. Dr. Talip Atalay has called on the Greek Cypriot authorities in the south of the island to open the famous Hala Sultan mosque for worship. Dr. Atalay said that worshippers should be free to visit the Ottoman-era mosque, which was built near the burial site of a prominent companion and relative of the Prophet Muhammad – Umma Haram.
Having brought up the subject with the visiting US vice-president Joe Biden on 22 May, Dr. Atalay also called on religious leaders in the eastern Mediterranean island to avoid using political rhetoric as peace talks between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots continue. The island of Cyprus is home to various ethno-religious communities.