Historical mosque torched in Greek Cyprus
CNNTurk.com
A mosque in Nis is burnt by Serbian protesters in this 18 March 2004 file photo. AFP photo
A historical mosque in the Greek Cypriot city of Limasol was torched by unknown assailants on April 13, CNNTürk reported today.The Turkish Cypriot Religious Directorate's designated official responsible for Greek Cyprus, Şakir Alemdar, reportedly said they were notified of the incident late because of Easter celebrations on the Greek side of the island.
The roof of the Köprülü Hacı İbrahim Ağa Mosque was on the verge of collapse after the assailants poured gasoline and set the building on fire. The mosque's door, wooden porch and one of its windows was burned, while the carpets inside were blackened by the soot from the fire. An epitaph from the Ottoman era fell on the ground and broke, Alemdar said.
Alemdar said the mosque, which was open to worship, was also attacked 15 days previously.
Greek Cypriot police have not detained anyone in relation to the attack and reportedly said it was "the work of some young people."
