455 YEARS OF WAQF LEGACY PRESERVED IN CYPRUS
4/17/2026
The 455th anniversary of the establishment of the Cyprus Foundations Administration and the 70th anniversary of its transfer to the Turkish Cypriot community were commemorated with a ceremony. The program, held at the Headquarters of the Cyprus Foundations Administration, was attended by our Deputy Director General, Mr. Hayrullah Çelebi.
In his address, Mr. Çelebi conveyed the greetings of our Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, and our Director General, Mr. Sinan Aksu, and emphasized that the event served as an opportunity to once again recall the deep-rooted presence of waqf civilization on the island. Highlighting that the waqf tradition is not limited to the creation of physical structures, he underlined that it also represents a civilization of compassion grounded in social solidarity.
COOPERATION CONTINUES ON A STRONG INSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATION
Mr. Çelebi noted that cooperation in the field of waqfs between Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is built upon a strong legal framework. He stated that the process initiated in 2010 was further strengthened through regulations introduced in 2012 and 2014. Within this framework, he emphasized that the identification, registration, and restoration of waqf cultural assets in Cyprus are being carried out meticulously.
He also highlighted that social activities conducted at the Nicosia Mevlevi Lodge, along with efforts to document waqf monuments, have strengthened the cultural and social dimensions of this cooperation.
RESTORATION WORKS CONTINUE WITH DETERMINATION
Emphasizing the ongoing efforts to preserve waqf monuments, Mr. Çelebi stated that key milestones in this process include the opening of the Cyprus Turkish-Islamic Works Museum, the restoration (revitalization) of the Dükkanlarönü Mosque in Nicosia, and the reopening of the Selimiye Mosque for worship.
He further noted that restoration works initiated at the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and Madrasa in Famagusta and the Mahmud II Library in Nicosia are continuing with the same determination, ensuring that waqf monuments are preserved in their authentic identity and transmitted to future generations.
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY ACTIVITIES CONTINUE
Addressing the social dimension of the waqf tradition, Mr. Çelebi stated that since 2014, a total of 64,500 food parcels have been delivered to those in need in the TRNC.
He also emphasized that soup distributions at the Nicosia Mevlevi Lodge and iftar tables established during Ramadan reflect the living dimension of waqf culture. He noted that in 2025 and 2026, hundreds of people have been brought together daily at shared iftar tables in various locations.
340 WAQF MONUMENTS REGISTERED
Referring to efforts to identify cultural heritage in Cyprus, Mr. Çelebi stated that a total of 340 waqf monuments have been identified through inventory studies, many of which were recorded for the first time.
These include:
- 131 mosques
- 35 fountains
- 24 cemeteries
- 38 mausoleums (türbes)
- 28 schools
- 24 cultural structures
- 11 lodges (tekkes)
- 18 inns and bathhouses
- 10 market squares
- 9 libraries
- and various water-related structures
He emphasized that this heritage has been digitized and is being preserved for future generations.
YOUTH ENGAGED WITH OUR WAQF CULTURE
Within the scope of the “Dream, Discover, Dedicate” project, Mr. Çelebi noted that young participants from Northern Cyprus have been hosted in Türkiye. He also announced that 24 students, who ranked in a competition held this year at Nicosia Hala Sultan College and were present at the ceremony, will also be hosted under the same program. He congratulated the students on their achievements.
2,200 WAQFS IDENTIFIED
Emphasizing that Cyprus is one of the most significant centers of waqf civilization, Mr. Çelebi stated that approximately 2,200 waqfs have been identified on the island, and that 763 waqf deeds (vakfiyes) have been located.
He noted that historical waqfs have played a key role in shaping the cultural fabric of the island and affirmed that efforts to preserve and transmit this heritage will continue.
