Turkish AKP opens representative office in a historic building in northern Nicosia

The Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP) has established a new representative office in a historic building located at Selimiye Square in northern Nicosia. The building, which is privately owned by the Bullici family and rented for £1,800 per month, was previously restored with specific planning permission granted in December 2020 for use as a cafe, guesthouse, or tourist facility. Local authorities, including the antiquities department and the Nicosia municipality, stated that they were not notified of the conversion and did not issue permits for the office. The local 'interior ministry' noted that there is no legislative framework allowing foreign-based parties to open offices in the occupied territories. AKP representative Emre Kaya defended the move, stating the party independently selected the location for its historical character and suitability, while denying any involvement by the Turkish embassy. The building is situated near the Selimiye Mosque and the Yunus Emre Institute, a location described by critics as symbolic.