Pilgrims from TRNC to Visit Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque in Larnaca Again

Pilgrims from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will once again visit the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque in Larnaca. The pilgrimage is set for September 12, ahead of Mawlid al-Nabi, the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

The pilgrimage will be organized by the Administration of Foundations (Evkaf) and the Department of Religious Affairs of the TRNC. Buses will transport worshipers from northern Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, İskele (Trikomo), Güzelyurt (Morphou), and Lefke.

This year, Mawlid al-Nabi will be observed on September 15. The Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca is the resting place of Umm Haram, known in Turkish tradition as Hala Sultan, the wife of Ubadah ibn al-Samit, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. It is considered one of the most sacred sites for Muslims globally, with some scholars ranking it as the fourth most significant site in Islam after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.

The last pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke occurred in June this year, with 650 pilgrims visiting the shrine for Eid al-Adha. This visit was organized by the Cyprus Foundations Administration and the Department of Religious Affairs.