The mosque is not far from Larnaca airport overlooking one of the two salt lakes. Hala Sultan Teeke is famous among Muslims as the Prophet Mohammed’s aunt, Umm Haram, is buried there. According to tradition, Umm Haram came to Cyprus with the Arab invaders in 649, and because of an accident in which she fell from her mule and broke her neck, she died and was buried here. On the site was later built this mosque.
The mosque was first renovated in 1816 and again in 2002 by UNOPS. While archaeological excavations were made and they found remains, around the lake, from the Neolithic period.
Now that Bayram ended many thousands of pilgrims flocked to this particular mosque.
This year was the first time since the island was divided, when as many as 21 buses were organised from Lefkosa down to the Hala Sultan Mosque in Larnaca for prayer.
In cooperation with the Greek Church, and that the two leaders of the island; Greek leader Nicos Anastasiades and President Derviş Eroğlu, both could agree this arrangement could be implemented.
You can visit the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque daily. Fortunately, anyone can visit the mosque – non-Muslims too. It is free to visit and donations are accepted.
Opening hours:
June-Aug 7:30 to 19:30, April-May and Sept-Oct 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., November to March 9:00 to 17:00.
