Turkish Cypriot pilgrims pray at Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca

Over 100 Turkish Cypriots visited Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca on Tuesday evening for prayers on the occasion of the feast of Kadir Gecesi, a Moslem feast on the 26th day of Ramadan.

The pilgrims traveled to the mosque on four buses, accompanied by Cyprus Police vehicles, and took with them food and water to break the fast after sundown.

The Turkish Cypriots, speaking Greek, said Kadir Gecesi was a holy day, on which, according to tradition, an angel presented the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed.

The pilgrimage was organised by the religious affairs office of the puppet regime in the areas of Cyprus under Turkish occupation.

Three people were denied entrance into the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus at the Ayios Dhometios crossing point due to the fact that their parents are Turkish settlers.