A Muslim tourist taunts a priest in a sacred monastery in occupied Cyprus.

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​A recent announcement that a mosque would be built next to the historic St. Andrew Monastery in Rizokarpaso (aka Dipkarpaz), a village in the Karpas Peninsula of occupied Cyprus, has produced much controversy. The monastery holds significant religious and cultural importance, especially for the Orthodox community. Since the tourists have increased manifold to the area. Among the many Christian pilgrims and Muslim tourists was Mehmet Erol Muavili. Who proudly shared his visit and attitude in a video posted on social media. It went viral. More about this video below. 

Here are some key points about the St. Andrew Monastery in Rizokarpaso:

1. History Cultural Significance: The St. Andrew Monastery is one of the most important religious sites for the Greek Orthodox Christians. It is dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, who visited Cyprus and preached in the area during his travels. The monastery's history dates back millennia. It has been a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and reflection for generations of Cypriots.
2. Location: The monastery is situated in the northern part of Cyprus, in an area that has experienced political and ethnic tensions due to the division of the island between the Greek Cypriot and occupied Turkish Cypriot communities.
3. Impact of the Cyprus Conflict: The division of Cyprus in 1974 as a result of the conflict between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots had an impact on the St. Andrew Monastery. Like many other religious sites, it found itself situated in an area that became part of occupied Northern Cyprus.
4. Cross-Cultural Relations: The St. Andrew Monastery is an example of the complex interplay between cultural, historical, and political factors in Cyprus. Efforts to preserve and protect the monastery's heritage while navigating the broader context of the island's history continue to be important.
5. Tourism: Despite the political complexities, the St. Andrew Monastery and the surrounding area attract tourists interested in its history, architecture, and religious significance.
6. Status: The status of the St. Andrew Monastery, like many sites in the region, remains a subject of debate and discussion in the context of the larger Cyprus issue.

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Karpaz'da bulunan Apostolos Andreas Manastırı'ndaki papaza saygısızlık.. pic.twitter.com/hh1oStJiAH

— Haber Kıbrıs (@HABERKIBRIS) August 17, 2023

​Cyprus has a complex history involving the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, and tensions between the two communities have existed for decades due to political, historical, and cultural factors. Acts of taunting or disrespect in places of worship can be deeply offensive and may exacerbate existing tensions. 

​Cyprus’ history marked by religious and ethnic tensions, including instances of religious persecution, particularly between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Here's an overview of the historical context:

1. Ottoman Period: The island of Cyprus was under Ottoman rule for centuries, beginning in 1571. During this time, there were instances of religious discrimination against the Greek Orthodox Christian population by the Ottoman authorities. However, religious coexistence was a complex reality, with both Christians and Muslims living on the island.
2. British Colonial Period: After the Ottoman Empire's decline, Cyprus came under British control in 1878. The island's population consisted of both Greek Cypriots, who were predominantly Greek Orthodox Christians.
3. Independence and Intercommunal Conflict: Cyprus gained independence from British rule in 1960. However, tensions between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities quickly escalated into violent clashes in the early 1960s. Turkish Cypriots felt marginalized and feared that their rights would be undermined by the Greek Cypriot majority. Similarly, Greek Cypriots were concerned about Turkish Cypriot demands for political autonomy.
4. Turkish Intervention and Division: In 1974, following a Greek junta-backed coup aiming to unite Cyprus with Greece, Turkey intervened militarily. This led to the de facto division of the island into the Republic of Cyprus in the south, predominantly inhabited by Greek Cypriots, and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
5. Religious Freedom: In the Republic of Cyprus, which is recognized internationally and is a member of the European Union, religious freedom is generally respected.
6. "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus": In the self-declared Turkish Republic of occupied Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey. 

Throughout Cyprus' history, there have been incidents of tension and conflict between different religious and ethnic groups, including cases of religious discrimination and persecution. However, it's important to note that the situation is complex, and not all periods have been characterized by religious persecution. In recent years, there have been efforts towards reconciliation and dialogue between the communities, though the issue of Cyprus remains a subject of ongoing political and international debate.

1. 20th Century: In the early 20th century, the Armenian Genocide, which took place during World War I, is considered one of the most significant instances of state-sponsored violence and mass killings against a particular group. This event involved the systematic extermination of the Armenian population within the Ottoman Empire.
2. Cyprus: As previously mentioned, Cyprus has a history of intercommunal conflict between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The events surrounding the division of the island in 1974 included violence and displacement of both communities.

The upcoming remembrance of the "Istanbul Pogroms" a series of violent events that occurred in Istanbul, Turkey, in September 1955. These events targeted the Greek minority population living in Istanbul and resulted in widespread destruction, looting, and violence against Greek-owned properties, businesses, homes, and churches. The pogroms had significant social, economic, and political implications for both Turkey and the Greek minority community. Here's a brief overview of the Istanbul Pogroms:

1. Background: The events were triggered by tensions related to the Cyprus issue. At the time, there were ongoing tensions between Turkey and Greece over the status of Cyprus, a British colony that both countries had historical and cultural ties to. In August 1955, a 'false flag' bomb was detonated at the Turkish consulate in Thessaloniki, Greece, leading to heightened nationalist sentiments and anti-Greek feelings in Turkey.
2. Outbreak of Violence: On September 6 and 7, 1955, violence erupted in Istanbul. Crowds of individuals, many of whom were incited by inflammatory rhetoric from certain media outlets and political groups, engaged in destructive actions against Greek-owned businesses and properties. These actions included looting, vandalism, arson, church and cemetery desecrations.
3. Widespread Damage: The violence affected not only Greek-owned properties but also those of other non-Muslim minorities, such as Armenians and Jews. Schools, churches, homes, and shops were targeted and damaged or destroyed.
4. Aftermath: The pogroms had a lasting impact on the Greek minority community in Istanbul. Many Greeks left the city and Turkey in the aftermath of the violence, contributing to a significant decrease in their population. The events also led to strained diplomatic relations between Greece and Turkey.
5. Historical Significance: The Istanbul Pogroms are considered a dark chapter in the history of the Turkish-Greek relationship. They highlight the complexities of interethnic and intercommunal tensions and the potential consequences of political and nationalist mobilization.
6. Commemoration: The events of September 6-7, 1955, are remembered as a tragic episode by the Greek community in Turkey and among Greeks worldwide. Every year on September 6, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the events with prayers and ceremonies.

​It's important to note that historical events can be complex and have multiple perspectives. The Istanbul Pogroms are a significant event that underscores the challenges of maintaining peaceful coexistence within diverse societies and the importance of understanding historical context when discussing such events. They started with attitudes like Mehmet Erol Muavili. So much so, the occupied North’s Minister of Interior, Dursun Oğuz released the following statements:

It was videotaped and broadcast by a person at the Apostolos Andreas church in Dipkarpaz, which is considered one of the important religious places of worship in our country today. There are many variations in religious freedoms and worship in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Respect for religious beliefs and lifestyles is also very important and sensitive. In this regard, discriminatory, provocative, harassing situations and behaviors are unacceptable. For this reason, a complaint was made to the police directorate to initiate the necessary legal action through the district governor's office about this behavior aimed at disrupting the social peace within the scope of respect for religions and cultures.​

​Hopefully, this anemic statement will suffice to suppress any potential Turkish reactions that could escalate incidents in occupied Cyprus and beyond. The "Minister" missed an opportunity to remind Muslims, in Islam, there are strong prohibitions against religious abuse, slander, and disrespect towards religious figures, beliefs, and practices. These prohibitions are rooted in the teachings of the Quran, the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), and the broader principles of Islamic ethics.

​Here are some key aspects of these prohibitions:

1. Respect for Religious Figures: Muslims are taught to show utmost respect and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad and other religious figures mentioned in the Quran, such as prophets and messengers. Any form of abuse, insult, or slander against these figures is considered deeply offensive and inappropriate.
2. Harmful Speech: Islam emphasizes the importance of using kind and respectful speech. Muslims are encouraged to avoid using hurtful or offensive language, particularly when discussing matters related to religion, faith, and beliefs.
3. Freedom of Speech and Responsibility: While Islam upholds freedom of speech, it also emphasizes the importance of responsible speech. Expressing disagreement or criticism should be done respectfully and without resorting to insults or abuse.
4. Defamation and Falsehood: Muslims are discouraged from spreading false information or making baseless accusations against individuals, including religious figures. Engaging in defamation or spreading lies is considered a harmful and sinful act.
5. Forgiveness: Islam encourages forgiveness and patience when facing offensive speech or actions. Rather than responding with aggression, Muslims are encouraged to maintain their composure and seek peaceful ways to address any issues.
6. Legal Consequences: In some Muslim-majority countries, there are laws that criminalize blasphemy and religious insult. These laws can vary in their enforcement and severity though rarely enforced when a Muslim is aggressor.

It's important to note that interpretations of these prohibitions may vary among different Islamic scholars and cultural contexts. While the teachings of Islam emphasize respect and kindness, the understanding and application of these principles can be influenced by a range of factors, including cultural norms and individual beliefs.

​Ultimately, the emphasis in Islam is on fostering understanding, tolerance, and respectful dialogue between individuals of different faiths or perspectives. Muslims are encouraged to engage in productive discussions while upholding the principles of mutual respect and avoiding any form of religious abuse or insult.

​Certainly, there are some Quranic verses and Hadiths (sayings and actions of their Prophet Muhammad) that emphasize the prohibition against religious abuse and disrespect:
Quranic Verses:

1. Quran 6:108: "And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do."
2. Quran 49:11: "O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames."
3. Quran 24:19: "Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know."

Hadiths:

1. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
2. The Prophet Muhammad said: "A true believer does not taunt or curse or abuse or talk indecently." (Tirmidhi)
3. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, curtails their rights, burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment." (Abu Dawood)
4. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Do not revile my Companions, for by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, if any one of you spent gold equal to Uhud (in Allah's Cause), it would not be equal to a Mud or even a half Mud spent by one of them." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

These verses from the Quran and teachings from the Hadiths emphasize the importance of showing respect and avoiding abusive language or behavior towards others, particularly in matters related to religion. Muslims are encouraged to maintain good character, engage in positive communication, and uphold the principles of respect and kindness in all interactions.

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord…” Hebrews 12:14