Exploring Lost Islamic Heritage In Cyprus

Cyprus is often seen as a sunny holiday destination, known for its beaches and resorts. But beneath the surface lies a rich and complex history, especially when it comes to Islamic heritage. This travel blog takes you on a detailed journey through the island’s lesser-known sites, exploring the lasting marks of centuries-old Muslim presence, the impact of political division, and the vibrant communities that continue to shape Cyprus today. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of this unique place, there’s much to discover beyond the usual tourist paths.

Day 1 - Monday 7th July

Our journey started at Leeds Bradford Airport, where we boarded a 3 PM flight headed for Paphos, Cyprus. We had initially planned to land in Larnaca, mainly because it’s geographically closer to many of the historical sites related to Cyprus’s Islamic past. But as travel often reminds us, plans change. Flights get rerouted, schedules shift, and suddenly, you find yourself adjusting on the fly. Landing in Paphos instead wasn’t part of the plan, but it was a reminder that sometimes the detours bring their own insights.

The flight took about four and a half hours. We left England in the afternoon and touched down in Paphos around 9:30 PM, just after the sun had dipped below the Mediterranean horizon. The sky was a dark velvet with a few scattered stars—an inviting welcome to the island. As soon as we exited the plane, a very pleasant breeze just passed by us, thanks to the airport being located right on the coast!

Navigating through the airport went smoothly. Our car rental, arranged in advance through Alamo/Enterprise for just £107 for 4 days, was easily picked up after a short shuttle ride. The roads leading out of the airport were quiet and unfamiliar, but the gentle night air carried the faint scent of the sea and promise of discovery. We drove to the Pandream Hotel Apartments, a modest but clean place perfectly suited for a brief rest before our explorations began. 

Paphos is known mainly as a tourist town—a coastal hub where British and European visitors come to relax, enjoy the beach, and soak in the sun. The streets are lined with cafés, bars, and souvenir shops, giving it a familiar resort-town feel. But beneath this popular tourist veneer lies a quieter story, a subtle trace of Cyprus’s layered history—one that includes Islamic culture and influence stretching back centuries.

Halal food options here were scarce, which wasn’t surprising given the town’s primarily European tourist demographic. Thankfully, we’d packed our own meals—an act of preparation that proved very useful. It’s a small detail, but when you’re navigating a new place, little comforts like familiar food can mean a lot.

Day 2 - Tuesday 8th July

Our first real stop was the Turkish Baths of Paphos. Once bustling with locals seeking relaxation and social connection during Ottoman rule, these baths are now quiet ruins. The worn stone walls and arched doorways still carry a whisper of the past, though the site is overshadowed by the glitz of the modern tourist economy. It’s one of those places where history feels tangible—even if it’s faded.

Turkish Baths in Paphos from the time of the Ottomans

Nearby, we stumbled across the ruins of the Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa. Among its broken columns and weathered stones, we noticed Arabic inscriptions etched into the ruins—an unexpected discovery that hinted at a much earlier Muslim presence on the island. Some scholars suggest these marks could date back to the 7th century and may even have been left by the Sahabah, the companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, during early expeditions to Cyprus. It’s impossible to confirm definitively, but the possibility adds a layer of reverence to these silent stones.

Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa

Allah inscribed on the column

Visiting The Abandoned Villages and Mosques of Cyprus

The events of 1974 are etched deeply into Cyprus’s geography and history. After tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots reached a breaking point, the island was effectively divided into two: the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. This division has left scars—physical, cultural, and emotional—across the island.

Souskiou abandoned Turkish Cypriot Muslim village

One such scar is visible in the abandoned village of Souskiou. Walking through this once-thriving Turkish Cypriot Muslim community, it’s hard not to feel the weight of absence. Empty, dilapidated houses stand as frozen moments from 1974. Overgrown paths wind between broken windows and crumbling walls. It feels like time stopped here, leaving only silence where once there was laughter and daily life.

We imagined what it must have been like before the division: Eid celebrations with children playing in the streets, the call to prayer echoing softly over rooftops, neighbors greeting one another as the sun set. Today, those sounds are echoes—memories preserved in silence.

Nearby, in the village of Fasoula, we found another forgotten mosque. The building itself was in disrepair—walls cracked, windows shattered, the floor littered with debris. It stood as a quiet testament to a community once alive, now largely erased. Standing there, it was impossible not to feel a deep sense of loss. These places don’t just hold bricks and mortar; they hold stories, prayers, lives lived.

Fasoula Village Mosque

Driving along country roads, we often spotted minarets piercing the skyline. In many parts of the world, such towers signal vibrant communities and daily prayers. Here, they felt like mournful sentinels—silent reminders of a heritage caught between remembrance and neglect. Some, like the mosque in Avdimou, showed signs of restoration and hope, but many others seemed to stand as empty shells, waiting for attention.

Next, we moved to Larnaca, a city that blends modern comforts with centuries of history. Our accommodation at the Radisson Beach Resort quickly became a sanctuary. From our room, we had a stunning view of the calm Mediterranean waters. The soft breeze rustled palm fronds, and the subtle hum of the sea created a soothing soundtrack. It was the kind of place where you could pause and let the day’s experiences settle in.

Radisson Beach Resort Larnaca

For dinner, we opted for Ocean Basket, a popular seafood chain with around 11 branches across South Cyprus. The portions were generous—fish and chips, cheesy garlic prawns, halloumi, and a hearty fish soup. At €43 for two people, it was good value. A quick note for fellow travelers: halal-specific options are scarce here, but the seafood and vegetarian dishes make for safe and satisfying choices.

Day 3 - Wednesday 9th July

On the morning of Wednesday, July 9th, we rose early, just after Fajr prayer, to catch the dawn light. Our destination was Hala Sultan Tekke, one of Cyprus’s most significant Islamic sites and the resting place of Umm Haram bint Milhan, an aunt of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Unfortunately, we arrived before the site opened at 8:30 AM. This delay gave us time to appreciate the surrounding area’s calm but also meant we had to return later. Worth noting: drones are strictly prohibited near Hala Sultan Tekke, as it’s close to Larnaca’s airport.

After this visit, we made our way to Menogeia, a small village home to an old mosque with a detached minaret. The mosque itself, though no longer in active use, retained a certain quiet dignity. Nearby, a small park lay empty, still and peaceful in the early hours.

Menogeia Mosque - Another Abandoned Mosque In Cyprus

Later that aftermoon, after a quick breakfast, we prepared for a new phase of our journey—crossing the Green Line into Northern Cyprus. The checkpoint itself was a tangible reminder of the island’s division. We paid €20 (valid for 3 days) for additional car insurance since our southern rental didn’t cover the northern side. Beyond the checkpoint, the atmosphere changed noticeably: Turkish flags flew proudly, signage was in Turkish, and the rhythm of life felt different.

Our first stop in Northern Cyprus was Famagusta, a city where history is layered visibly in architecture and daily life. The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, once the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, was especially striking. The gothic arches and stained glass windows bore witness to its Christian origins, but inside, the presence of Islamic elements—the mihrab, the mimbar, the prayer rugs—reclaimed the space as a house of worship for Muslims.

Lala Mustapha Pasha Mosque Famagusta

The area surrounding the mosque was lively, with street vendors selling doner kebabs, Turkish bakeries filled with fresh bread, and locals chatting in a way that felt familiar yet distinctly Cypriot-Turkish. Walking here, it became clear how cultures can merge and coexist, not simply replace one another.

Day 4 - Thursday 10th July

On Thursday, July 10th, we returned to Hala Sultan Tekke after it opened. The shrine complex was serene, with white domes shining in the morning sun and olive trees casting dappled shade. This is the resting place of the aunt of the Prophet ﷺ known as Umm Haram Bint Milhan RA. 

Hala Sultan Tekke - The Resting Place of Umm Haram RA (Aunt of The Prophet ﷺ)

The following Hadith adds more context as to how she ended up in Cyprus and why she is buried here:

Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to visit Umm Haram bint Milhan RA, who would offer him meals. Umm Haram was the wife of Ubada bin As-Samit RA. Allah's Messenger ﷺ once visited her and she provided him with food and started looking for lice in his head. Then Allah's Messenger ﷺ slept, and afterwards woke up smiling. Umm Haram asked, "What causes you to smile, O Allah's Messenger ﷺ?" He said. "Some of my followers who (in a dream) were presented before me as fighters in Allah's cause (on board a ship) amidst this sea caused me to smile; they were as kings on the thrones (or like kings on the thrones)." (Ishaq, a sub-narrator is not sure as to which expression the Prophet ﷺ used.) Umm Haram said, "O Allah's Messenger ﷺ! Invoke Allah that he makes me one of them. Allah's Messenger ﷺ invoked Allah for her and slept again and woke up smiling. Once again Umm Haram asked, "What makes you smile, O Allah's Messenger ﷺ?" He replied, "Some of my followers were presented to me as fighters in Allah's Cause," repeating the same dream. Umm Haram said, "O Allah's Messenger ﷺ! Invoke Allah that He makes me one of them." He said, "You are amongst the first ones." It happened that she sailed on the sea during the Caliphate of Mu'awiya bin Abi Sufyan, and after she disembarked, she fell down from her riding animal and died. (Sahih Bukhari)

According to many scholars and historians, she fell down and passed away along the southern coast of Cyprus. Today you will find that the tomb of Umm Haram RA overlooks a salt lake that, in winter, becomes home to flocks of flamingos. Around the shrine, cats roam freely, earning the site a nickname as a “cat colony.” The lake was very dry when we were there (July) so we will definitely be back in the winter months to see what its like with all the flamingos.

Later that day, we checked into the Radisson Blu in Larnaca. The hotel was more modern and centrally located, providing a comfortable base for the rest of our journey.

We then rested for a short while and headed back out again to make our way to North Cyprus once again. First stop; Selimiye Mosque! The Selimiye Mosque, formerly the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, is another powerful symbol of Cyprus’s complex past. Its gothic exterior contrasts with a calm Islamic interior, complete with blue carpets and wooden mimbar. The mosque serves both as a place of worship and a reminder of the island’s changing identities.

From there, a drive to Kyrenia took us through winding mountain roads and dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea. This was honestly one of the best driving routes I’ve come across in Cyprus and a bizzare contrast to the landscapes you’ll witness in South Cyprus. At the shrine of Hz. Omer Turbesi, perched on a cliffside, we joined local Turkish families picnicking, praying, and sharing laughter. The blend of natural beauty and spiritual reverence created a moment that felt timeless.

The main reason why we came here was to visit the resting place of Hz Omer who is supposedly from among some of the first few Sahaba that arrived into Cyprus in the early days of Islam. Him and five (or six) other Sahaba upon arriving here passed away and their bodies were found many years later, when a shrine was built for them. It is important to note that the Hz Omer that is buried here is not the same as Hz Omer the caliph. I asked the Imam of Hala Sultan Tekke as to the authenticity of this and he simply said that we do not know for sure if he is actually buried here. Whatever the case, as travellers, we realised that it is still important to appreciate and respect local history and local knowledge. 

Hz Omer Turbesi (Resting Place)

Day 5 - Friday 11th July

Friday brought us back to Hala Sultan Tekke for Jummah prayer. The khutbah was in English, welcoming a diverse congregation: Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Arabs, locals, and travelers from all over. Children played outside while cats weaved between the worshippers. The atmosphere felt like a miniature ummah, united by faith beside the still waters of the salt lake. There, we met Imam Shakir Alemdar, a warm and knowledgeable guide who shared stories about the shrine and its significance.

After prayer, we spoke again with Imam Shakir, who explained that despite the deep historical roots, only two Muslim burials are officially confirmed on the island: Umm Haram RA and possibly Urwa ibn Thabit RA. Many mosques remain in legal limbo, unable to be restored due to their status as government property.

Every Jumuah, food is served for free at Hala Sultan Tekke to all attendees

Towards the end of our trip, we visited the Arnaut Mosque in Limassol, supposedly built by Crimean Muslims in the 1800s. There, we met a Palestinian man from Gaza who had lived in Cyprus for over 25 years. He greeted us with warmth, pumpkin seeds, and heartfelt duas—a small moment that reminded us how human connections transcend history and politics. We also encountered Muslims from Yemen and Egypt, each with their own stories of migration, resilience, and hope.

Arnaut Mosque in Limassol

On the way back to Paphos airport, we made an attempted visit to Maroni, another Muslim village, but this was cut short when the road proved too rough to carry on. Sometimes, plans don’t work out—but as always, we plan, and Allah plans better.

Our final stop was the modest Paphos mosque, serving a growing community of refugees and asylum seekers from Syria, Somalia, and other parts of the Arab world. It was a humbling reminder that the story of Islam in Cyprus is ongoing—not just history to be studied, but a living narrative. Islam and Muslims in Paphos did not seem apparent or visible. It felt like they were hidden and in the background just doing their thing.

Paphos Mosque

As we packed our bags and prepared to leave Cyprus, a quiet sense of gratitude settled in. This island, small in size but vast in history, offers more than sun-soaked beaches and holiday resorts. It is a place where layers of cultures, religions, and peoples intersect—sometimes peacefully, sometimes painfully—but always with stories worth telling.

Cyprus’s Islamic heritage is not confined to textbooks or dusty archives. It lives in the stones of old mosques, in the whispered prayers of abandoned villages, and in the hearts of the communities that still call the island home. It’s a heritage that invites reflection on identity, coexistence, and resilience. It challenges us to look beyond the obvious and seek out the quieter narratives that shape a place.

For Muslim travelers, Cyprus offers a unique window into a European Islamic past often overlooked. But it also reminds us that faith is not just about monuments—it’s about people. The refugees praying quietly in Paphos, the imam welcoming visitors at Hala Sultan Tekke, the families sharing meals in Kyrenia—all these moments weave together a living tapestry.

Leaving Cyprus, we felt that the journey was just beginning. The island’s stories have taken root in us, encouraging us to keep exploring, learning, and connecting—wherever the road may lead next.

Tips for Travelers to Cyprus: A Guide for Muslim and General Visitors

Whether you’re coming for history, culture, or simply a relaxing getaway, these tips will help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

For Muslim Travelers

• Halal Food Can Be Limited: Outside of major cities, halal-certified restaurants can be scarce, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Paphos. Consider packing some snacks or ready meals, or seek out seafood and vegetarian options, which are widely available and generally halal-friendly.
• Mosque Visits and Prayer Spaces: There are active mosques mostly in northern Cyprus and in major cities in South Cyprus like Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos and Famagusta. Smaller historic mosques may not be open for worship but can be visited respectfully. Bring a prayer mat and plan for prayer times, especially if you’re traveling in rural areas.
• Respect Religious Sites: Sites like Hala Sultan Tekke are active religious shrines. Dress modestly and observe local customs—covering shoulders and knees, removing shoes where required, and maintaining a respectful silence.
• Friday (Jumuah) Prayers: Attending Jumuah prayer at major mosques like Hala Sultan Tekke can be a rewarding experience. It’s also a chance to meet locals and other travelers. Arrive early to secure a spot.

General Travel Tips for All Visitors

• Car Rental and Driving: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore Cyprus, but be mindful that the island is divided. If crossing into Northern Cyprus, ensure your rental company allows it, and purchase additional insurance at the border (€20 at the checkpoints valid for 3 days). Drive carefully—road conditions and signage may vary between regions.
• Crossing the Green Line: The checkpoint between south and north Cyprus is straightforward but requires your passport. Be prepared for the cultural shift when you cross—languages, currency (Euro in the south, Turkish Lira in the north though we paid with our cards), and customs change.
• Language: Greek is predominant in the south, Turkish in the north, and English widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic greetings in Greek and Turkish can go a long way in connecting with locals.
• Weather and Clothing: Cyprus can be hot in summer—lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. For visits to religious or historic sites, bring modest clothing to respect local traditions.
• Respect Local Customs: Cyprus has a complex history, and local sensitivities exist around the division and cultural identities. Approach conversations and interactions with openness and respect.
• Cash and Payments: Euros are used in the south, and Turkish Lira in the north. While cards are accepted in many places, carrying some cash for smaller shops or rural areas is recommended.
• Connectivity and SIM Cards: Mobile coverage is generally good in cities but may be spotty in rural or mountainous areas. Consider purchasing a local SIM card if you plan to travel extensively. Do note that if your UK sim card allows for roaming in Cyprus, things may not be the same for North Cyprus which is under Turkey.