Turkish Cypriot government moves ahead with plans to convert rooms on historic Greek Orthodox Apostolos Andreas Monastery into hotel and mosque

RIZORKARPASO, Cyprus — Public concern has been raised in Cyprus following comments made by Mayor of Rizorkarpaso (Dipkarpaz) Hamid Bakriji about the continuation of previously paused work to repurpose rooms of the Greek Orthodox Apostolos Andreas Monastery into hotel rooms and mosques.

According to statements attributed to the mayor and reported by Turkish media outlets, plans involve transforming 12 rooms on the grounds into a hotel catering to visitors and tourists, with an additional 2 rooms designated for conversion into a mosque.

This matter gained significant media attention back in July, prompting reactions from both the European Union and the United Nations. The proposed alterations were temporarily halted in response to widespread international criticism.

Originally constructed in the 15th century and later renovated in the 18th century, the church has unfortunately undergone modifications once again. The turbulent events surrounding the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 compelled the Christian population to relocate from Rizorkapaso, located on the easternmost peninsula of the island.

The recent developments raise renewed concerns about the preservation of cultural and religious heritage in the region.