Restoration of Selimiye Mosque in Lefkoşa to Be Completed Before Ramadan

The restoration of the iconic Selimiye Mosque in Lefkoşa is set to be finalized in time for the start of the holy month of Ramadan. President of the TRNC, Ersin Tatar, recently met with the team overseeing the restoration work.

Following the meeting, President Tatar expressed his hope to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers in the beautifully restored mosque this year. He highlighted the mosque’s historical and cultural significance, saying it holds “cherished memories” and has “greatly enriched the spiritual heritage of the TRNC.”

“The Turkish Cypriot people, as part of the Islamic world, continue their journey under the call to prayer,” Tatar remarked.

For 2025, Ramadan will begin at sunset on February 28 and end on the evening of March 29. On Sunday, March 30, the faithful will celebrate Eid al-Fitr (Uraza Bayram), marking the conclusion of the fasting month.

The restoration work on the Selimiye Mosque began in 2020. Originally constructed as a cathedral named Ayia Sophia, the building’s construction commenced in 1209 and was completed in 1326.

In 1570, following the Ottoman Empire’s capture of Lefkoşa, the cathedral was converted into a mosque, with minarets added to the structure. The Selimiye Mosque held the title of the largest mosque in Cyprus until the completion of the Hala Sultan Mosque in 2018.