President Erdoğan Attends Reopening of Selimiye Mosque in TRNC via Video Link

Following extensive restoration work, the historic Selimiye Mosque in Northern Cyprus has officially reopened for worship. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated in the reopening ceremony remotely via video link.

Joining Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Erdoğan offered a light-hearted remark: “You’ve got the scissors, you’ve got the ribbon,” as Tatar prepared to inaugurate the restored mosque. The ceremony took place today at 2:00 p.m.

The TRNC’s Religious Affairs Directorate had previously announced the completion of the restoration, which was supported by the General Directorate of Foundations of the Republic of Turkey.

Originally constructed as a cathedral named Hagia Sophia, the building’s construction began in 1209 and was consecrated in 1326. After Nicosia was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1570, the cathedral was converted into a mosque, and minarets were added. Selimiye remained the largest mosque on the island until the completion of the Hala Sultan Mosque in 2018.

The restoration project began in 2020 and was initially scheduled to be completed by the start of this year’s holy month of Ramadan. It was hoped that Eid al-Fitr prayers would take place in the renovated space. Although Ramadan ended on March 29, the mosque officially reopened today.

Also read: What makes the Selimiye Mosque so special?