Description of the attraction
The Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, located on the shores of the famous Salt Lake in the city of Larnaca, is one of the most famous mosques not only in Cyprus, but throughout the world. It is the fourth most important Islamic shrine after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem Al-Aqsa. In addition, it, which is completely atypical for a mosque, was erected in honor of a woman - Umm Haram. Some sources claim that she was the adoptive mother of the Prophet Muhammad himself, others that she was the wife of one of his associates. But, one way or another, her name is inextricably linked with the founder of Islam. According to legend, she, like other noble Arab ladies who were obliged to accompany their museum on military campaigns, went with the army of her husband to Cyprus. But there, by an absurd accident, she died, falling from a mule. They buried her on the shore of the lake, and a huge stone weighing 15 tons was installed on her grave. It is believed that this block is a fragment of a meteorite, which has healing properties. Therefore, for a long time, crowds of pilgrims flocked to him, thirsting for a miracle. It was at the place where Umm Haram was buried that later, after the victory of the Ottomans in the battle for the island, a small mausoleum was built, near which a beautiful mosque later appeared.
It was built in 1816 and surrounded by a lush garden with large fountains. The temple itself has an octagonal shape and only one minaret. Next to the “female” part of the mosque there is a small well, at which the dervishes used to make a wish. If it came true, according to ancient tradition, they remained to serve this temple. Therefore, in Hala-Sultan-Tekka, there are several buildings in which such people lived.
In addition to Umm Haram itself, several other prominent Islamic figures are buried there.
At the moment, services are practically not held in the mosque. Only twice a year, on major holidays, prayers are read there. The rest of the time, the mosque is open to everyone.
