Hala Sultan Tekke

by Edlyne · January 31, 2020

Good morning people!

Welcome back for another episode of my adventures in Cyprus. Today direction Larnaca!

First thing first, Hala Sultan Tekke, is also named The Mosque of Umm Haram. Tekke means convent.

History is an interest that I share with my father! He inherited it from his mother and passed it down to me. So, when a few weeks ago, they proposed to me to visit that monument, my answer was automatically yes. I was not disappointed at all.

So, on January 18^th, after a 4km walk at Larnaca Salt Lake, a little group of hikers took the decision to pursue the adventure at Hala Sultan Tekke. We add almost 2.5 km to our initial circuit. Walking is a very good and simple activity. Not only it prevents type 2 diabetes, but it strengthens your heart, it’s good for your brain and your bones etc. Honestly, Larnaca Salt Lake is a very easy walk. Zero inclination, a beautiful spot, and a very large lake.

We finally arrived at the destination and I was very shocked by the number of cats on the parking. Wild cats are a very big issue here in Cyprus. They are everywhere. I think that Cyprus should be called Cat Island. Anyway, we entered, and it was very nice and quiet! Apparently, this monument reflected the ages of war and peace. It was built in 1816 by the Turks. Umm Haram, the wife of Ubada bin al-Samit, companion of the Prophet Muhammed, fell from her horse to her death during the first Arab raid initiated around 647.

Hala Sultan Tekke complex is composed of a mosque, mausoleum, minaret, cemetery, and living quarters for men and women. I really like the architecture of the building. I was impressed by the garden and interested in the mosque. Nowadays, you can pray in the building if you want. You just need to remove your shoes and turn off your phones. The ground is made of oriental carpet.

I have also seen ruins of the ancient monument. It was very interesting to observe them. It is always emotional for me to testify elements of the past. Hala Sultan Tekke is a holy site for Turkish Cypriots Muslims.

What I like the most about this monument is its location. You have a wonderful view on the Salt Lake. It is very peaceful. We did not stay a long time there, but it was enough to enjoy. Find below some photos