Selimiye Mosque, the former Catholic St. Sophia Cathedral, is one of the remarkable pieces of architecture in the ancient walled city of Nicosia. It has a gruesome and long history, and with that come plenty of horror stories, and paranormal activities reported in the area. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of the mosque, as well as its dark legends and haunted activities.
Horror Story of Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral), Nicosia
, Cyprus
During the late 16th century, the Selimiye Mosque (also known as St. Sophia Cathedral) located in Nicosia, Cyprus was a sight to behold. Its bright exterior was made up of polygonal white limestone and its four minarets seemed to scrape the sky. The magnificent structure held the djami of the Lala Mustafa Mosque until its conversion into a cathedral during the Ottoman wars.
Though the Kathedrale held strong from the Islamic Shrine to the new Christian cathedral, its fate was destined to suffer from urban legends that have caused shivers down the spine of curious visitors even to this day.
The chilling tales of the hanging corpses, eerie and invisible presence, and other unexplained phenomena have led to the belief that the old site is haunted. One of the more dominant stories is of the ghost of a man who fell to his death while trying to hang decorations from the minaret. It is said that his tortured soul can still be heard echoing on the still nights or during the full moons.
Others devious urban legends include the mysterious fog that clings to the ground and strangles its visitors, and the unwelcoming and invalid spirits that lurk in the shadows of the mosque hall.
No one can be certain if these stories are true or not, but one thing is certain: one should be sure to approach the site with awe, but also with caution.
History & Information of Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral), Nicosia
, Cyprus
Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral) is an Ottoman era mosque, located in Nicosia, Cyprus. Originally built in the 12th century as the St. Sophia Cathedral, it is one of the oldest and most important religious and cultural sites in the city.
The cathedral has gone through various transformations and reconstructions, including a major rebuild in the 16th century by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan. During the period of Venetian rule in Cyprus, St. Sophia Cathedral became a Catholic church, before being converted back to a mosque with the Ottoman conquest of the island in 1570.
In its present form, Selimiye Mosque stands as one of the grandest and most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture outside of Turkey. It is surrounded by a large courtyard and has four great minarets which symbolize the four schools of Islamic law. The interior of the mosque is decorated with a wealth of fine tilework and calligraphy.
Selimiye Mosque is also an important symbol in the political and religious conflict between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities in Cyprus. It is seen by many as a symbol of unity between the two communities and has been used to host several peace talks between the two sides.
Today, Selimiye Mosque is a popular tourist attraction and is also an important religious site for the local Muslim community. It is open to visitors and offers a range of services, including guided tours and lectures on its history and architecture.
You would listen to the most common horror stories on paranormal hotels. Paranomial Activity of Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral), Nicosia
The Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral) in Nicosia is an important cultural and spiritual landmark in the city. It was originally built as a Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the mid-1400s by Lusignan kings, and later converted to a mosque in the 1800s by the Ottoman Empire. The mosque is a blend of the two cultures, and has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. Its original minarets and Ottoman-era architecture still provide locals with a glimpse into the city's past.
The Selimiye Mosque has been the site of many religious and cultural activities throughout its history, both before and after its conversion. For instance, it has hosted regular Friday prayer services, Ramadan meals, and special worship services for the Greek Orthodox community. It also serves as a cultural and educational center, with lectures on the Islamic faith, art classes for children, and public readings of the Quran. The Festivities of Turkish-Cypriot culture is celebrated at the mosque every year, and its expansive courtyard is also frequently used for weddings and other major events.
Perhaps most notably, the Selimiye Mosque is a key symbol and reminder of the history of the city. Its architecture speaks to Nicosia's rich cultural heritage, which has resulted from various waves of colonization and occupation over the centuries. It is still firmly rooted in both the Greek Orthodox and Islamic faiths, and it continues to be a powerful symbol of the harmonious coexistence of different religious and cultural backgrounds in the city.
Experience of people & Reviews of Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral), Nicosia
Selimiye Mosque is a great place to visit in Nicosia. Tourists often come here to view the magnificent architecture of this beautiful mosque. The history of the Selimiye Mosque dates back centuries and it is one of the most important symbol of history of Islam in Cyprus. It is definitely one of the most popular mosques in the country and many locals, as well as visitors, come here to admire its spiritual purity and breathtaking beauty.
The architecture of the mosque is very impressive with its distinctive dome and four minarets. The building was built in the beginning of the 16th century and it has a unique Ottoman architecture. The interior of the Selimiye Mosque has a very beautiful and large building with an red-marble prayer mats. The walls of the mosque are decorated with very beautiful and unusual geometric patterns, which give the mosque its character and atmosphere.
Visitors to the mosque have commented on their experience. Many visitors said that it is a peaceful and beautiful place with a calming atmosphere. They have also remarked that the mosque is very well kept and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Furthermore, many of the visitors noticed the amazing ambiance of the mosque and enjoyed the serenity that the place offers. They also shared their delight of the courtyard and the surrounding area, which are home to many beautiful trees and plants.
Overall, visitors to the Selimiye Mosque have praised its beauty and the historical significance that it holds. They were also very impressed with the impressive architecture of the monument as well as its spiritual atmosphere. The mosque is a popular destination for tourists and locals due to its interesting history and beauty.
FAQ'S of Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral), Nicosia
Q: Where is Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral) located?
A: Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral) is located in the capital city of Nicosia in the North of Cyprus.
Q: How old is Selimiye Mosque?
A: Selimiye Mosque (formerly St. Sophia Cathedral) was built in the late 15th century, making it over 500 years old.
Q: What unique features can be seen at Selimiye Mosque?
A: Selimiye Mosque features an interesting mix of Gothic and baroque architecture, making it an architectural marvel to see. Additionally, the mosque houses several beautiful mosaics from its Byzantine era.
Q: Is it free to visit the Selimiye Mosque?
A: Yes, admission to Selimiye Mosque is free for all visitors.
This place is undoubtedly one of the top 10 most haunted places in the world.