Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque

As we have already mentioned, there are several mosques in Christian Cyprus. But Hala Sultan Tekke is undoubtedly the most important of them.

Hala Sultan Tekke is also known as the Umm Haram Mosque, in honor of the tomb located here, which attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Many researchers consider this mosque to be the third most important site for Muslims worldwide.

• Features of the mosque
• Hala Sultan Tekke complex
• History of the Umm Haram mosque
• How to get to the mosque
• Working hours of Umm Haram
• Frequently asked questions

Features of the mosque

The mosque is located on the shore of the Salt Lake near Larnaca and was built during the Ottoman period around the tomb of Umm Haram bint Milhan (known as Hala Sultan in Turkish), the companion of the Prophet Muhammad.

According to tradition, Umm Haram was the sister of the Prophet Muhammad's foster mother and one of his companions. She arrived from Medina to Cyprus in 647 or 649 AD. Additionally, Umm Haram was the wife of Ubada ibn al-Samit, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad.

Umm Haram passed away shortly after her arrival and was buried at the same spot where she fell off her mule and died.

Hala Sultan Tekke complex

Hala Sultan Tekke is a complex consisting of a mosque, a minaret, a mausoleum, and auxiliary buildings, which were restored with funds as part of the "Bi-communal Development Program." The work was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Antiquities of the Ministry of Transport and Communications between 2001 and 2005.

From the entrance gates to the mosque, various trees and shrubs grow in the inner courtyard, making the place visually appealing.

The dome-shaped mosque is square in shape with a balcony and was built from yellow stone blocks. The building of the mosque is constructed without any external painting. The center of the mosque features a large dome. The minaret has a metal cone at its top.

Outside the mosque is a washing area. This area is covered by a canopy and equipped with seating for ablution before prayer.

At the eastern corner of the complex is a cemetery that was closed for burials around 1899. Many prominent Turkish figures of the island are buried here.

Inside Hala Sultan Tekke

The interior walls of the mosque are simple and painted white. A burgundy-colored carpet covers the floor. Remember, it is necessary to remove your shoes before entering the mosque.

The green-colored minbar, a small wooden staircase with a platform at the top, is a special structure where the imam stands to deliver the sermon during Friday prayers.

Women’s prayer area

There is a special prayer space for women. It is located on the upper level inside the mosque, accessed via a green-colored staircase. Each step leading to this room is also covered with a carpet.

The Tomb of Umm Haram

Since the mosque is built near the tomb of Umm Haram, the entrance to it is from inside the mosque’s prayer hall. The grave is covered with a green carpet fabric, and in front of it is a mesh that prohibits access (see photo below).

History of Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque

The area of Hala Sultan Tekke was used as a cemetery as far back as the 2nd millennium BC, next to the large Bronze Age city of Dromolaxia-Vizatzia. Excavations began in the late 19th century by the British Museum and continue to this day. Archaeologists have found graves with rich artifacts indicating extensive international trade. They also discovered buildings from the Hellenistic and Archaic periods, possibly of religious significance.

The site is connected with Umm Haram, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, who died here during the Arab conquest of Cyprus in the 7th century. According to legend, she was buried here. In the 18th century, dervish Sheikh Hasan discovered the tomb and began constructing the holy complex. The buildings were later expanded and decorated by Ottoman governors. The mosque was completed in 1817. In the 21st century, it underwent restoration with the support of international organizations.

How to Get to Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque

The mosque is located on the western shore of the Salt Lake, which, by the way, is visible from inside the prayer hall through a window and from the outside.

This place is very close to Larnaca International Airport. From the B4 highway, a narrow street called Tekke Road leads to the mosque.

You can only reach the mosque by taxi or by car, which can be rented directly at the airport. A map with the mosque’s location is at the bottom of the article.

Opening Hours of Hala Sultan Tekke

The visiting hours are from Monday to Sunday: from 08:30 to 17:00 or 19:00 depending on the season. From September 16 to April 15, the mosque is open until 17:00, and from April 16 to September 15 — until 19:00.

• On Fridays, the mosque is closed from 13:00 to 15:00.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque

Is there a dress code at Hala Sultan Tekke?

Since this is a place of worship, modest clothing is required, just like at other religious sites. Both men and women must be dressed appropriately to enter the mosque. Women must cover their heads.

What if I don't have appropriate clothing?

If you are wearing something else, don't worry; there are long cloaks available at the entrance to cover yourself. Inside the mosque, there are headscarves to cover your head during prayer.

How much is the entrance fee to the mosque?

The mosque is free for everyone. However, if you are not Muslim, we would not recommend visiting during the Friday prayer.

What other mosques are there in the Republic of Cyprus?

There is the Bayraktar Mosque, the Grand Mosque of Limassol, the Jami Kebir Mosque, and five more mosques, which you can read about in this article.

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