The Presidency has reacted harshly to the decision taken in South Cyprus to build a tavern in the garden of Hala Sultan Tekke.

Issuing a written statement the Presidency emphasized that the destruction of the holy place will not be tolerated.

The Presidency issued a written statement upon news appearing in the local press that a building adjacent to the Hala Sultan Tekke, which is the third holiest place of worship in the Islamic World and one of the most important symbols of the Ottoman-Turkish cultural heritage in Cyprus, will be converted into a tavern, and said that this decision has caused outrage in the country.

It was stated that contact was made with the Greek Cypriot side through the Cultural Heritage Technical Committee upon the instruction of President Ersin Tatar, and they were informed that there was great concern about the developments published in the press and that the destruction of this holy place and the inappropriate use of its surroundings would not be tolerated.

As a result of the initiative, the Greek Cypriot authorities granted a ‘coffee shop’ license for the aforementioned place to be used appropriately by those who visit Hala Sultan Tekke and the Salt Lake.

The building will only be used for this sole purpose and will not be used after 7pm in the evening.

The Presidency said that it will be following the developments closely.

The Cyprus Vakıflar Administration also reacted to the decision.

In a written statement made by the Administration, it was stated that any intervention in a place that Turks and Muslims regard as the most sacred is absolutely unacceptable.

The statement called for an immediate reversal from this mistake as soon as possible.