Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque is open from 09:00 to 17:00 from September to March, and from 07:30 to 19:30 from April to August. Entry is free, but visitors must dress modestly, with long sleeves and long trousers or dresses for both men and women. The mosque is regarded as the fourth most sacred site in Islam, following Mecca, Muhammad's tomb in Medina, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and is the primary holy site for Muslims in Cyprus.
According to legend, Umm Haram was the wife of one of the closest followers of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. She was a noblewoman at Muhammad's court, with two sons from two marriages, the younger named Muhammad. Her nephew served as the Prophet's secretary from the age of eight. Muslim tradition states that Allah appeared to the Prophet in a dream while he stayed at Umm Haram's house. Some researchers believe that her real name has been lost over time. Another version suggests she was Muhammad's foster mother.
Hala Sultan Tekke Regardless of her exact relationship to the Prophet, it is known that she decided to participate in a war to spread Islam among non-believers. It was customary for noble Arab women to accompany their husbands and brothers on long campaigns. In 649, Umm Haram arrived in Cyprus. Near Larnaca, by the salt lake, her mule stumbled on a stone, causing her to fall, break her neck, and die instantly. She was buried at the place of her death.
Another legend says that Prophet Muhammad's foster mother, Umm Haram, arrived in Cyprus with the first Arab conquerors in 649. Noble Arab women traditionally accompanied their husbands and brothers on long campaigns, tended to the wounded, and inspired the warriors of Allah. During a battle near Larnaca, by the Salt Lake, Umm Haram fell from her horse and died. She was buried at the site, with a tomb topped by a 15-ton meteorite stone, said to have been brought by angels from Mount Sinai or Mecca. In 1816, a mosque was built there.
This guide will introduce us to Larnaca and Lefkara, a seaside city and mountain village revealing Cyprus's essence. Larnaca is an ancient city with a rich history of Greeks and Turks, where the Church of Saint Lazarus—one of the most important sanctuaries of the Orthodox world—coexists with the Mosque of Umm Haram, the fourth most significant mosque in the Muslim world.
We will stroll through the streets of Larnaca, admire the murals, and experience the charm of this Mediterranean city undergoing renewal.
Next, we will visit perhaps the most famous village in Cyprus—Lefkara, renowned for its unique embroidery and silver craftsmanship traditions, and the church that houses a relic of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified. Beyond these significant historical sites and events, you will be captivated by the charm of Cyprus, its peaceful nooks, enduring traditions, and serene atmosphere.
Cyprus is embodied in its mountain villages, where its heart and soul reside.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
