The Mosque

Northern Cyprus

2018/2022/2024

Returning to Cyprus for a brief visit one year on from my residency (see Transitions I-IV), I focussed my attention on the mosque that is being constructed on the site of the Near East University on the outskirts of northern Nicosia - The Günsel Mosque. This is the only new 6 minaret mosque outside Turkey apparently, and it is situated only a few miles away from the recently completed Hala Sultan Mosque on the road to Famagusta. The (very) small construction crew on site very kindly allowed me to photograph the building when I visited in 2018, from within the concrete infrastructure that was forming the layout of the interior spaces - a fascinating insight into the configuration of an Islamic place of worship.

Many aspects interest me about this building and it has been fascinating to photograph again in 2022 and 2024 to witness its development and ultimate completion - of a building that contributes to a continued discourse on the island's cultural dichotomy.

2022

After an inevitable break in visits due to COVID-related travel restrictions, a further visit in 2022 sees the mosque much further on in development. The priority in construction has clearly focussed on the exterior presence of the building - the building now rising over the landscape from both near and far.

2024

A New Mosque (and presidential palace complex)

One of the benefits of staying in local AirBnBs when I visit the island is the ability to meet local people, who have always been nothing but friendly and open in terms of discussing my interests in photographing the dynamics of the post-invasion landscape. On my visit in 2024 the barber next door to the AirBnB, who was brought up in the east end of London as it happened, alerted me to another interesting, and somewhat controversial, development in the north - the building of a further large mosque, but one in a complex of a presidential palace and community garden project. In researching this site, it is clear this will become another focus of attention for me when I return, as a further project funded by President Erdogan in Turkey - a project that is designed to solidify the Turkish presence in the north - this time of the TRNC political leadership and administration on the island.

https://lgcnews.com/new-presidential-palace-ready-by-years-end/

The differing perspectives on this development in the press:

TRNC President Ersin Tatar

This is an ‘important message is being given to the world in terms of the will,

independence and self-governance ability of the Turkish Cypriot People.’

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz

‘We are continuing to provide all kinds of support for the TRNC to become an equal sovereign member of the international community, while also increasing the Turkish Cypriots’ level of prosperity and developing their economy…’

‘…as neighbours, as states which share the same geography, we need to plan our future, to develop cooperation through positive projects. This is Turkey’s perspective.’ Cyprus Mail article, August 2024

‘The Nation’s Garden is expected to become a popular spot for families and tourists...’ ‘...Local leaders say the complex will improve government operations and give residents a new place to relax.’ LGC News, April 2025

‘While the Turkish government and its proxies in occupied Northern Cyprus claim that Turkey’s interest

is to protect the Turkish Cypriot community on the island, Turkey’s actions suggest otherwise...’

‘[Ankora] has undertaken actions that threaten the secular identity of the Turkish Cypriots

and drastically change the overall character of the region.’

‘The Külliye complex and “Nation’s Mosque” are part of a larger infrastructure initiative

meant to reflect Turkey’s influence in Northern Cyprus.’

‘…the project is designed in an Ottoman architectural style to symbolize Turkish sovereignty

and cultural dominance in northern Cyprus. The Külliye complex and the “Nation’s Mosque”

are key components of a broader infrastructure initiative aimed at reinforcing Turkey’s influence

in the occupied territories. Unlike traditional Külliyes, which historically functioned as community

hubs focused on social welfare and spiritual enrichment, this project has drawn criticism

from Turkish Cypriots who see it as a political and symbolic extension of Ankara’s agenda

rather than a response to local religious needs.’

‘The Erdogan administration has consistently employed Islam as a soft power instrument, mobilizing Muslim communities abroad to extend Turkish influence.’