Overview:

Hala Sultan Tekke is an Islamic shrine located near Larnaca, on the island of Cyprus. It is dedicated to Umm Haram, a Muslim woman believed to be the aunt of the Prophet Muhammad, and dates back to the early days of Islam in the 8th century CE. The shrine is held in great reverence by the Muslim people of Cyprus and pilgrimage to this site is commonplace. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture of the mosque, which is a mixture of Middle Eastern and Byzantine styles and contains a small graveyard of Turkish tombs. The shrine is also home to a wide variety of wildlife and is of particular interest to birdwatchers. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. The Golden Dome: The main feature of the site is the Golden Dome, which is an oval shaped structure covered in gold leaf, which makes it visible from afar. 2. Minarets: The Hala Sultan Tekke has two minarets, which are decorated with white marble in a spiral pattern. This adds to the visual beauty of the monument. 3. Ancient Mosaic: Adorning the interior of the building is an ancient and unique mosaic of tiles which depicts a variety of Islamic symbols and design elements. 4. Main Mosque: At the center of the Hala Sultan Tekke is the main mosque, which is believed to have been built in the 16th century. This was a popular place of worship for pilgrims and visitors alike. 5. Courtyard: The courtyard is an open space that surrounds the building, with an array of trees and paved paths. This provides an idyllic and peaceful setting for those visiting the Tekke. 6. Tombs: On the site there are also several tombs which are believed to be the final resting place of some prominent Muslim figures. These tombs are a reminder of their life and service to the community. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Hala Sultan Tekke, located at the Larnaca Salt Lake in Cyprus, is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims, as it is believed to be the burial site of Um Haram, the wet-nurse of Prophet Muhammad. For centuries, the tekke (monastery) has been an important religious and cultural site for both locals and those from abroad. During the time of the Ottomans in the 18th century, the site was converted into a mosque and a pilgrimage site, known as the "Holy Mosque" or Hala Sultan Tekke. The history of the Tekke is believed to date back to the 7th century, when Um Haram, who is traditionally said to have been a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, died in Cyprus while on her journey to the Holy Land. It is thought that a church was built on the site at the time and was eventually converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in the 18th century. Throughout its long history, the Tekke has been the site of various cultural and religious activities, such as religious celebrations and spiritual gatherings. It is also home to many Cypriot Muslims and boasts a collection of historic and religious artefacts, including Korans, Turkish architectural decorations, and some ancient coins. Today, the site is open to visitors from all over the world, who come to pay their respects and admire the sacred site. Additionally, the site has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Hala Sultan Tekke is an ancient mosque and tomb located near the town of Larnaca on the southern coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. 2. It is thought to have been built in 673 by Muawiyah I the first Caliph of the Umayyad Dynasty. 3. The mosque is said to be situated at the site where the companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Hala Sultan, is buried. 4. It is the second holiest site in Cyprus, after the Mosque of the Virgin Mary in Nicosia. 5. The mosque is made up of a large domed building with two minarets, surrounded by a courtyard. 6. The remains of two other domed buildings can also be found in the courtyard. 7. The mosque has been in continuous use since its construction by the Umayyads with regular renovations and additions. 8. It was extensively damaged by an earthquake in 1864 which destroyed most of the buildings in the surrounding area. 9. In 2012, the mosque was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Venetian fortifications of the island of Cyprus. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.