Turkish Cypriots and other Muslims in Cyprus commenced the celebration of Eid al-Adha on Wednesday. The festival, marking one of Islam’s most significant holidays, began with early morning prayers at 6:15 AM. Significant figures such as the former Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and the incumbent leader Tufan Erhurman participated in the festivities. Tatar attended the prayers at Millet mosque while Erhurman later opened his official residence to the public for an event.

Eid al-Adha, celebrated in the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijja, is connected with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. In Cyprus, the prayer services took place in various locations, including the Zafer Bolkan mosque in Karavas, attended by 'prime minister' Unal Ustel. The public event at Erhurman's residence offered attendees a chance to interact with the leader, marking a day of religious reverence and community interaction.