Cyprus, Nicosia

Pilgrims from the TRNC visited the Hala Sultan Tekke complex in Larnaca for the first time since 2019.

12.04.2024 / 12:22

On the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, the Cyprus Foundation Administration and the Religious Affairs Administration made a pilgrimage to the Hala Sultan Tekke complex for the first time since 2019. This is one of the most sacred places for Muslims in the world. Some scholars consider it the fourth most significant place in Islam after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.

About 450 people participated in the pilgrimage. A convoy of 10 buses departed from assembly points and began crossing the Metehan border checkpoint at 9:00 in the morning. Then, the pilgrims from the TRNC traveled from the border gates to the Hala Sultan complex accompanied by the Greek police.

Visitors had the opportunity to enter the Hala Sultan mosque, take memorable photos, visit the tomb, perform ablutions, listen to the Holy Quran, and pray.

The chairman of the foundation's board, Mustafa Tyumer, who accompanied the delegation, thanked those who made it possible to hold such an event during the sacred holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

Due to the traditional pilgrimage marking the second day of Eid al-Fitr, the mosque was closed to visitors from 10:00 to 15:00.

Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca is the resting place of Umm Haram, known in Turkish tradition as Hala Sultan, the wife of Ubada bin al-Samit, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad.