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Hala Sultan Tekke

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Historical site
—°10
Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)

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Hala Sultan Tekke, also known as the Mosque of Umm Haram, is a prominent Muslim place of worship situated on the shores of the Larnaca Salt Lake. It is regarded as one of the holiest shrines in Islam, as it was built over the tomb of Umm Haram, who according to tradition was a relative or companion of the Prophet Muhammad. She died in 647 AD during the first Arab invasion of Cyprus after falling from her mule. The current mosque building was completed in 1816 under the rule of the Ottoman governor of Cyprus and is surrounded by a magnificent garden. The complex includes the mosque, residential quarters for pilgrims and clergy, and a mausoleum. Its location by the salt lake makes it a site of exceptional natural beauty, particularly in winter when thousands of flamingos visit the lake. The Tekke serves as a symbol of the island's long Islamic history and remains an active place of prayer and pilgrimage for visitors from around the world.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141416192327303028242016
Rain mm7242231392116153071

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Hala Sultan Tekke is an Islamic pilgrimage site with a mosque and the tomb of a prophet's wife. The complex is open to visitors of all faiths who behave respectfully.
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Typical hours
The mosque and grounds are open daily from around 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (longer in summer). On Fridays and during prayer times, access may be limited.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and grounds, but not inside the mosque. Please respect the prayer direction and avoid loud noises.
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Time needed
A visit usually lasts about 30 minutes to an hour. Those wanting to explore the surroundings and the salt lake should allow extra time.
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Combine with
The Tekke is located on the Larnaca Salt Lake, which attracts flamingos especially in winter. Combine the visit with the Larnaca promenade and harbor.
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Getting there
Hala Sultan Tekke is about 6 km southwest of Larnaca, easily reachable by car or bus. Parking is available right in front of the complex.
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Insider tip
Visit in the late afternoon when the light is soft and the salt lake flamingos are often active. Remember appropriate dress: shoulders and knees should be covered.

Geography

Coordinates
34.88560, 33.60830

Facts

  • The shrine was built over the burial site of Umm Haram.
  • Umm Haram died in 647 AD following a fall from her mule.
  • The current building was constructed in 1816 in Ottoman style.
  • The complex underwent extensive restoration in 2002.
  • Remains of a settlement from 1100 BC were discovered nearby.
  • The mosque is often cited as the fourth holiest site in Islam.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Larnaca Salt Lake Bird WatchingLarnaca Salt Lake Bird Watching<1 km · NEExplore →
Larnaca International Airport (LCA)Larnaca International Airport (LCA)2 km · NWExplore →
Kamares AqueductKamares Aqueduct2 km · EExplore →
LarnacaLarnaca3 km · NEExplore →
Larnaka Municipal Gardens ZooLarnaka Municipal Gardens Zoo4 km · NEExplore →
The Land of DreamsThe Land of Dreams4 km · EExplore →
Panagia Angeloktisti ChurchPanagia Angeloktisti Church4 km · SWExplore →
Bio Land ProductsBio Land Products4 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hala Sultan Tekke (10)

Hala Sultan Tekke

The Hala Sultan Tekke complex includes a mosque, mausoleum, cemetery, and living quarters for men and women.

🕒 Nov-Apr 08:30-17:00; May-Oct 8:30-19:30🆓

Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque

Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque is an Islamic place of worship near Larnaca Salt Lake.

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Hala Sultan Tekke Excavation Site

Hala Sultan Tekke Excavation Site is an archaeological ruin area near the salt lake.

Alykes Larnakas

Alykes Larnakas is a protected area in Cyprus, preserving salt marshes and birdlife.

Larnaca Salt lake

Larnaca Salt Lake is a lake in Cyprus, known for flamingos and salt extraction.

Public Amphitheater of Dromolaksia

The Public Amphitheater of Dromolaksia is an open-air stage for events.

Kamares (Bekir Pasha) Aqueduct

Kamares (Bekir Pasha) Aqueduct is a historic water supply system from the Ottoman period.

Salt Lake Viewpoint

Salt Lake Viewpoint provides a view over Larnaca Salt Lake and its surroundings.

Pattichion Amphitheater

Pattichion Amphitheater is an open-air theatre in Larnaca for cultural performances.

Mackenzie Beach

Mackenzie Beach is a sandy beach in Larnaca with restaurants and sunbeds.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hala Sultan Tekke important?
It is one of the holiest sites in Islam, the burial place of Umm Haram.
Where exactly is the mosque located?
Right on the shores of the Larnaca Salt Lake, surrounded by palms and cypresses.
Can non-Muslims visit the mosque?
Yes, it is open to visitors outside of prayer times (proper dress required).
Do you have to take off your shoes?
Yes, shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall.
Are there many cats there?
Yes, the Tekke garden is known for its many well-cared-for cats.
Hala Sultan Tekke: where is it located?
Hala Sultan Tekke is located in Cyprus.
Hala Sultan Tekke: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hala Sultan Tekke, Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, Hala Sultan Tekke Excavation Site.
Hala Sultan Tekke: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Hala Sultan Tekke: why is it worth visiting?
Hala Sultan Tekke, also known as the Mosque of Umm Haram, is a prominent Muslim place of worship situated on the shores of the Larnaca Salt Lake.
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Nearby cities

Larnaca — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Larnaca
A coastal city with a palm-lined promenade and the international airport.

History & landmarks

Choirokoitia — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Choirokoitia
A UNESCO-listed Neolithic settlement featuring reconstructed circular dwellings that showcase life 9,000 years ago.
Larnaca Salt Lake — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Larnaca Salt Lake
A complex network of salt lakes, known as a wintering ground for flamingos.
Kataklysmos — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Kataklysmos
The Festival of the Flood, celebrated grandly in Larnaca with waterfront activities.
Larnaca Castle — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Larnaca Castle
A medieval castle located at the southern end of the Finikoudes promenade.
Zenobia Wreck — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Zenobia Wreck
One of the world's top diving sites, a sunken ferry located off the coast of Larnaca.
Zygi Coastal Cliff — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Zygi Coastal Cliff
The coastal cliff near Zygi is a distinctive geological formation on the southern coast of Cyprus.

More places

Church of Saint Lazarus — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Church of Saint Lazarus
A historical Byzantine church in the center of Larnaca.
Choirokoitia — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Choirokoitia
One of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean (UNESCO).
Larnaca Salt Lake Bird Watching — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Larnaca Salt Lake Bird Watching
A network of four salt lakes, famous for its population of flamingos that overwinter here.
Larnaca International Airport (LCA) — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Cyprus's main international gateway, located on the outskirts of Larnaca.
Kamares Aqueduct — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Kamares Aqueduct
A historic aqueduct from the 18th century in Larnaca.
Larnaka Municipal Gardens Zoo — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Larnaka Municipal Gardens Zoo
A small zoo located within the municipal gardens of Larnaka, ideal for young children.
The Land of Dreams — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
The Land of Dreams
A unique playground and activity center in Larnaca, built with natural materials.
Panagia Angeloktisti Church — Hala Sultan Tekke (Cyprus)
Panagia Angeloktisti Church
This Byzantine church is located in Kiti.