First Islamic Theology College Opens in North Cyprus
After overcoming decades of obstacles preventing its opening, the first ever Islamic theology college in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has officially finally been opened.
Many people from both Cyprus and Turkey attended the opening ceremony of the ‘Hala Sultan Theology College’ yesterday.
The Turkish Prime Minister’s assistant, Beşir Atalay and chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Rıfat Hızascıklıoğlu were also present.
Speaking at the ceremony, Beşir Atalay said: ‘We were here just over a year ago on the anniversary of the peace operation for the laying of the first brick. We deemed it significant to lay the first foundations on that historic day. In addition to opening the school, we will also lay the foundations of its remaining buildings. We will complete the complex along with the dormitory of this important facility just outside the capital city.’
As one of the most important figures to approve the school, Atalay also said: ‘This school will be one of the most important symbols of the Turkish people on this island…this school is being run by civilian initiatives. The foundations, TOBB and the Association of Sharing Knowledge are continuing to invest in the project. The mosque section of the complex will be managed by the Turkish Department of Religious Affairs. I thank each one of them. I especially thank TOBB….the name of Hala Sultan will live on in North Cyprus.’
He further went on to mention the story of a Turkish Cypriot woman known as Refika Hanım who in 1947 would spend her evening teaching Islamic classes. ‘This is a continuation of the efforts of Hala Sultan and Refika Hanım. These people who have worked to protect their religious values and identity under such difficult conditions will now have the chance to share these values with the younger generation.’
After the opening ceremony of the school, another ceremony was conducted for the laying of the foundation of a new mosque nearby.
Source: World Bulletin
The Turkish Prime Minister’s assistant, Beşir Atalay and chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Rıfat Hızascıklıoğlu were also present.
Speaking at the ceremony, Beşir Atalay said: ‘We were here just over a year ago on the anniversary of the peace operation for the laying of the first brick. We deemed it significant to lay the first foundations on that historic day. In addition to opening the school, we will also lay the foundations of its remaining buildings. We will complete the complex along with the dormitory of this important facility just outside the capital city.’
As one of the most important figures to approve the school, Atalay also said: ‘This school will be one of the most important symbols of the Turkish people on this island…this school is being run by civilian initiatives. The foundations, TOBB and the Association of Sharing Knowledge are continuing to invest in the project. The mosque section of the complex will be managed by the Turkish Department of Religious Affairs. I thank each one of them. I especially thank TOBB….the name of Hala Sultan will live on in North Cyprus.’
He further went on to mention the story of a Turkish Cypriot woman known as Refika Hanım who in 1947 would spend her evening teaching Islamic classes. ‘This is a continuation of the efforts of Hala Sultan and Refika Hanım. These people who have worked to protect their religious values and identity under such difficult conditions will now have the chance to share these values with the younger generation.’
After the opening ceremony of the school, another ceremony was conducted for the laying of the foundation of a new mosque nearby.
Source: World Bulletin
