President Ersin Tatar and the Speaker of the TRNC Parliament Zorlu Töre took part in an event marking the Day of Ashura which marks the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, a grandson of the prophet Muhammad.

The event which was organised by the TRNC Alawite Culture Centre was held at the Djemevi and Culture Complex.

Addressing the event, President Ersin Tatar drew attention to the respect and tolerance that existed in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

“Together we are one, united and respectful of each other,” said Tatar, adding that this was what the country’s constitution dictated.

The president said that the TRNC was trying to earn its respectful place within the international community and that all its citizens were equal and free of discrimination.

Also speaking, the Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre said, “It doesn’t matter if you are a Sunni Muslim, an Alawite or a Shia Muslim. We all believe in the same Allah.

He added that it was important to approach everyone with love, tolerance and understanding, irrelevant of their religious beliefs or background.