NICOSIA – Reports have indicated that the Turkish-Cypriots, who illegally occupy the northern third of the island following the 1974 Turkish invasions, have shown a lack of respect towards Greek Orthodox churches. Recent revelations from a tour guide revealed that one church had been transformed into a morgue and dumping ground.

The distressing discovery was made in the village of Chrysiliou, now known as Yuvacik. The guide, Maro Dimitriadou, expressed shock at the deplorable state of the Church of the Savior, as it was known when Greek-Cypriots resided in the area. According to the report, the church contained discarded coffins, waste, overgrown grass, and dirt.

The report did not specify whether the destruction of frescoes and the damage to the interior and exterior of the church were recent or had occurred over an extended period.

Dimitriadou shared her findings on social media, prompting responses from various refugee groups. Some users reported that the site had previously served as a morgue but was no longer in use, and a nearby cemetery contained numerous Greek graves.

The article also mentioned that “the Turkish Cypriots who live in these areas said that the Turkish soldiers in 1974 were those who destroyed the holy temples and sold out everything, and that the Turkish settlers were responsible for what has been happening there to this day. Sadly, the Turkish settlers do not respect these sacred places.”