TRNC celebrates Ramazan Bayram
THE TRNC celebrated the start of Ramazan Bayram (Eid al-Fitr) on Thursday along with the rest of the Muslim world to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy Muslim month of fasting.
President Ersin Tatar took part in the Eid prayers held at the Sinan Paşa mosque in Gazimağusa, which was also attended by the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Ali Murat Başçeri, MPs, the head of the Evkaf Foundation Dr İbrahim Benter and Recep Günaydın, the head of the North Cyprus Red Crescent.
Prayers were held across the country on Thursday at 6.25am, with Covid-19 related precautions observed.
Speaking to press following the Eid prayer, Mr Tatar said that he was “very pleased at being able to pray in a mosque that has been closed for a period of time,” adding: “I wish for the blessed period of Bayram to bring health, happiness and tranquillity. Bayram is a time where past sorrows are put to one side and to act in a spirit of togetherness and solidarity.
“It is important that we continue to observe social distancing and the measures, to remember our loved ones and family members, to show respect and hospitality. These actions show our unity and solidarity as a people.”
Mr Tatar said that the Taksim mosque in İstanbul had also been opened on the same day, and that there was talk about declaring the two as “twinned mosques”.
Religious Affairs Department head (Grand Müftü) Talip Atalay said: “Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar . . . our religious Eids have a special place in our culture. Alongside showing love and affection first to parents and the family, it allows for children to rejoice with gifts and socialise,
and for care to be given to the needy and charities, to remember those who are alone or ill, among many other attributes.
“Our last two Bayrams have been shadowed by the Covid-19 pandemic which has curtailed some of the traditions followed during Bayram. However, let us adapt to the new circumstances by following . . . the new measures and to pray for peace and blessings.”
The three-day holiday ends today. Due to the pandemic, funfairs and festival areas usually opened across the country in celebration of Bayram have not been permitted this year.
Meanwhile an increase in traffic was observed on the roads in the run up to Bayram as people rushed to do their shopping.