Mosques in the Republic of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus has active mosques and historical Islamic monuments. Some of them are used for regular prayers, while others open mainly on religious holidays or operate as cultural and historical landmarks. The most well-known mosques are located in Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos.

• Hala Sultan Tekke
• Omeriye Mosque
• Bayraktar Mosque
• Great Mosque of Limassol
• Djami Kebir Mosque in Larnaca
• Touzla Mosque
• Zuhuri Mosque
• Arnaut Mosque
• Paphos Mosque
• What to keep in mind when visiting
• Frequently asked questions

Hala Sultan Tekke

Hala Sultan Tekke — is the most famous Islamic monument in the Republic of Cyprus. The complex is located on the western shore of Larnaca Salt Lake and is considered one of the most revered Muslim sites on the island.

The mosque was built in several stages in the 18th–19th centuries. The complex is associated with Umm Haram, who, according to Islamic tradition, was a relative of the Prophet Muhammad and died in Cyprus during the Arab campaigns of the 7th century. The site includes a mosque, a mausoleum, a cemetery, and utility buildings.

Hala Sultan Tekke is visited by both worshippers and tourists. The place looks especially picturesque in winter and spring, when the Salt Lake fills with water and flamingos fly here.
Location

Omeriye Mosque

Omeriye Mosque is located in the old part of Nicosia and is one of the main active mosques in the capital of the Republic of Cyprus. The building has a complex history: before the Ottoman period, there stood the 14th-century Augustinian Church of Saint Mary here.

After the Ottoman conquest of Nicosia in the 16th century, the building was converted into a mosque. Today, Omeriye remains an active religious site and at the same time an important historical landmark of the old city. Next to the mosque is the restored Omeriye hammam.
Location

Bayraktar Mosque

Bayraktar Mosque is located in Nicosia at the Constanza bastion, near the OCHI district. It is associated with the events of the Ottoman siege of the city in 1570 and is named after the standard-bearer who, according to legend, was the first to climb the city walls.

The mosque acquired its current appearance in the 19th century. After restoration, it opens mainly during important religious holidays and is not among the mosques visited daily.
Location

Great Mosque of Limassol

The Great Mosque of Limassol, or Kebir Mosque, is located in the old Turkish quarter of the city, not far from the historical center. It is one of the main Islamic monuments of Limassol.

The mosque was built during the Ottoman period and continues to be used for prayers. The area around it is interesting not only for its religious history, but also for the atmosphere of old Limassol: nearby there are narrow streets, cafes, a market, and other historical buildings.
Location

Djami Kebir Mosque in Larnaca

Djami Kebir Mosque, also known as Kebir-Buyuk Mosque, is located near Larnaca Castle and Finikoudes promenade. It is one of the most prominent mosques in Larnaca thanks to its location in the tourist part of the city.

The building has an earlier Christian history: before being converted into a mosque, it was the Catholic Church of Saint Catherine of the 13th–14th centuries. The mosque has preserved a public fountain associated with the history of the old aqueduct of Larnaca.
Location

Touzla Mosque

Touzla Mosque is located in the old part of Larnaca, not far from the ruins of ancient Kition. It is one of the city's most interesting Islamic monuments from the point of view of architectural history.

It is believed that the building was originally a Byzantine Orthodox church, then the Catholic Church of the Holy Cross, and after the Ottoman conquest it was converted into a mosque. The minaret was built on the base of the former bell tower, and an old public fountain has been preserved nearby.
Location

Zuhuri Mosque

Zuhuri Mosque is located in the historic center of Larnaca between Djami Kebir Mosque and the Church of Saint Lazarus. It was built in the 19th century and for a long time played an important role in the city's Muslim community.

Today, the site is interesting primarily as part of a historical route through old Larnaca. The mosque's minaret was lost in the 20th century, but the building itself remains significant as a monument of urban history.
Location

Paphos Mosque

There is also an active mosque in Paphos, located in the central part of the city not far from the bus station. Friday prayers and daily namaz are held here.

The mosque is convenient to visit during a walk through the center of Paphos. Nearby there are city streets, shops, cafes, and other sights.
Location

What to keep in mind when visiting mosques

• Before visiting an active mosque, it is better to check whether it is open to tourists outside prayer times.
• Clothing should be modest: shoulders and knees are best covered.
• Before entering the prayer hall, shoes are usually removed.
• During prayer, you should not photograph people without permission.
• Some historical mosques may open only on holidays or during limited hours.

Frequently asked questions

Are there active mosques in the Republic of Cyprus?

Yes. There are active mosques in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos. The most famous among them are Hala Sultan Tekke, Omeriye Mosque, the Great Mosque of Limassol, and Djami Kebir Mosque in Larnaca.

Which mosque is the most famous in Cyprus?

Hala Sultan Tekke by Larnaca Salt Lake is considered the most famous. It is an important Islamic monument and one of the region's main attractions.

Can tourists enter mosques?

Tourists can enter many mosques if they follow the rules of conduct and dress code. It is better to check visiting hours in advance, especially if the mosque is active.

Where is the main mosque in Nicosia?

One of the main active mosques in the southern part of Nicosia is Omeriye Mosque in the old city.