Haydarpasa Mosque, Nicosia
It seems that the mosques of Nicosia are built on the remains of old Catholic churches. The Haydarpasa Mosque on Kirlizade Street is no different. It was built in the 14th century as Saint Catherine's Church. Sir Harry Charles Luke, while secretary to the Lord High Commissioner of Cyprus, called it the finest Gothic edifice on the island.
The Ottomans conquered the island in 1570 and poof! the church became a mosque. It was the favorite mosque of the local Turkish aristocracy. The right side of the mosque is rumored to hide the tomb of Saint Catherine. Greek Cypriots have been known to light oil lamps there.
The front portal is plainly Gothic, the cornice arch holding a poppy-head. Over everything is a Catherine's Wheel. The minaret is the highest in the city after Ayia Sophia. There are two Gothic doorways. One with a marble lintel having a rose between two dragons. There is a ruin on the right with a few Gothic arches and columns.
The interior had been whitewashed. The whitewash was removed in the 20th century, revealing indistinct paintings on the walls. Gothic arches support the ceiling vault. Just north of the apse is a sacristy. The sacristy vault is supported by corbels sporting carved human heads.
The direction of Mecca and minbar pulpit are on the right, unlike other mosques. These days the mosque operates as an art gallery. Until not long ago it was a marriage registration office.
The Ottomans conquered the island in 1570 and poof! the church became a mosque. It was the favorite mosque of the local Turkish aristocracy. The right side of the mosque is rumored to hide the tomb of Saint Catherine. Greek Cypriots have been known to light oil lamps there.
The front portal is plainly Gothic, the cornice arch holding a poppy-head. Over everything is a Catherine's Wheel. The minaret is the highest in the city after Ayia Sophia. There are two Gothic doorways. One with a marble lintel having a rose between two dragons. There is a ruin on the right with a few Gothic arches and columns.
The interior had been whitewashed. The whitewash was removed in the 20th century, revealing indistinct paintings on the walls. Gothic arches support the ceiling vault. Just north of the apse is a sacristy. The sacristy vault is supported by corbels sporting carved human heads.
The direction of Mecca and minbar pulpit are on the right, unlike other mosques. These days the mosque operates as an art gallery. Until not long ago it was a marriage registration office.
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Haydarpasa Mosque on Map
Sight Name: Haydarpasa Mosque
Sight Location: Nicosia, Cyprus (See walking tours in Nicosia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nicosia, Cyprus (See walking tours in Nicosia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nicosia, Cyprus
Create Your Own Walk in Nicosia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nicosia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Greek Old Town Walking Tour
Nicosia is Cyprus鈥檚 capital and its largest city. It is Europe鈥檚 last divided capital, with Turkish Cypriots living on the north side and Greek Cypriots living on the south side.
Nicosia has been continuously occupied for over 4,500 years and has been Cyprus's capital for over 1,000 years. It has a turbulent political history, and the Franks, Venetians, Ottomans, and British have... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Nicosia has been continuously occupied for over 4,500 years and has been Cyprus's capital for over 1,000 years. It has a turbulent political history, and the Franks, Venetians, Ottomans, and British have... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Nicosia Shopping Tour
There's probably no better shopping destination for tourists in Cyprus than Nicosia. Indeed, the country's exotic capital offers a vibrant mix of traditional markets and modern fashionable shops, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
One of the must-visit spots is Bandabuliya Municipal Market, also known as Belediye Pazar谋. Here, you can immerse yourself in the bustling... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
One of the must-visit spots is Bandabuliya Municipal Market, also known as Belediye Pazar谋. Here, you can immerse yourself in the bustling... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Turkish Old Town Walking Tour
Nicosia wasn't always Nicosia. It was originally called Leukosia. In Greek mythology Leukosia was a siren, a daughter of Achelous, a river god, and Melpomene, Muse of Tragedy. They had several daughters, Leukosia was one.
Others say the first settlers were Achaean veterans of the Trojan War. They appeared on the plain of Mesaoria by the river Pedieos in 2,500 BC. They formed the city... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Others say the first settlers were Achaean veterans of the Trojan War. They appeared on the plain of Mesaoria by the river Pedieos in 2,500 BC. They formed the city... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles