The Complex
Northern Cyprus
2024 -
A large, and somewhat controversial, development is underway in Northern Cyprus. Often referred to by locals as the ‘complex’ (külliye), it has three main elements that includes a presidential office and parliament building, a community green space called the ‘Nation’s Garden’ and a large mosque
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 contemporary 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 an 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. In researching this site, it is clear this will become a focus of attention for me when I return, as a further example of a Cyprus 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.
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.’
Nicoletta Kouroushi, European Conservative article, April 2024