Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Famagusta : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 25 Jun, 2023
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The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque is a culturally significant mosque located in the ancient city of Famagusta, in the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus. This grand mosque was built during the Ottoman reign in the 16th century and is a great testament of the island’s rich historical heritage. It is the largest mosque in the region and houses many fascinating ancient artifacts. In this blog post, we will look at some interesting facts about this ancient and awe-inspiring mosque, its unique design and architecture, and also provide some helpful information about how to plan a visit and explore its surroundings.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Famagusta
, Cyprus
1. The mosque was originally held by the Catholic Church of Santa Maria of Victoria.
2. The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque was built in the late 16th century by Lala Mustafa Pasha who was a Ottoman general from Konya.
3. It is one of the largest mosques ever built on Cyprus.
4. The architecture of this mosque is a mixture of Gothic, Moorish, and Ottoman style.
5. It is believed that the minaret of Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque was built by the Venetian craftsmen with a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish details.
6. The interior of the mosque is decorated with painted Iznik tiles and Islamic calligraphy.
7. There are two mausoleums at the entrance of the mosque which contain the coffins of Lala Mustafa Pasha and his brother Nerabim Pasha.
8. The mosque also contains tombs of other Ottoman military personnel from Lala Mustafa Pasha’s era who died during campaigns in Cyprus.
9. It is one of the five major mosques built by the Ottomans.
10. It was converted into a church by the Venetians in 1670. The church was then used for the next two centuries by the Catholics until the arrival of the British in 1878 who used it as a storage building.
History & Information About Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Famagusta
The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, also known as the St. Nicholas Cathedral and the Salamis Mosque, is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque located in the ancient city of Famagusta in Cyprus. The mosque was originally built in the 1560s when the island was under Ottoman rule and was later converted from a cathedral to a mosque by the Ottoman Empire in 1571. The mosque is the largest and grandest in Famagusta, and today it is the main mosque for the city.
The mosque, like the other monuments of Famagusta, has a long and colorful history. The building itself was once the St. Nicholas Cathedral, named after the patron saint of Famagusta. It was constructed in the late 14th century and dedicated to St. Nicholas in 1308. Then in 1571, after the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus, the building was reconsecrated as the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, named after the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus, Lala Mustafa Pasha.
The mosque retains many of its original features, including an ornately decorated interior, large arcades within the mosque courtyard, an inscriptive Islamic clock, and several stained glass windows that feature Koranic verses and geometric patterns.
The mosque is highly revered by the local Muslim community and is a popular tourist destination. The building is listed as a cultural monument by the Department of Antiquities in Cyprus and is protected by the Monument Law of 1974. The mosque is open to the public and is open to non-Muslims.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Famagusta
1. Location: The Lala Mustafa Mosque is located in the center of Famagusta, the main city of the Republic of North Cyprus. The mosque is surrounded by three other historic sites: the Dervish Monastery (Zaviye) to the north, the Venetian walls to the west, and the Othello’s Tower to the north-west.
2. Opening Hours: The Lala Mustafa Mosque is open for visitors every day from 8 am until 7 pm.
3. Getting There: The easiest way to get to the Lala Mustafa Mosque is by foot or by taxi. If arriving by car, there is plenty of parking in the vicinity.
4. Tour Options: The mosque offers guided tours in English, Turkish and a few other languages. You can also explore the site on your own. Audio-guides are available, as well as brochures and leaflets.
5.Things to See: The Lala Mustafa Mosque is the largest and most impressive building in Famagusta. The complex consists of two old churches – St. Sophia and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas – two marble fountains, the grand porch and several chapels. Inside the mosque, you will find exquisite Byzantine mosaics and several tombs of rulers.
6. Food: There are many traditional restaurants and cafes in the city offering delicious local dishes. A few of these are situated in the vicinity of the Lala Mustafa Mosque. Eating here, you will get a glimpse of the culture and atmosphere of Famagusta.
7. Shopping: There are several souvenir shops selling local items and antiques in the area. Be sure to pick up a few souvenirs before leaving Famagusta!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Famagusta
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, otherwise known as St. Nicholas Cathedral is a mosque located in Famagusta, Cyprus.
Q: Where is Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque located?
A: Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque is located in Famagusta, Cyprus.
Q: When was the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque constructed?
A: The Lala Mustafa Mosque was originally constructed in 1298 by the Lusignan Kings.
Q: What is the current status of the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque?
A: The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque remains a current functioning mosque and is open to the public (although accessing the mosque is subject to various restrictions).
Q: What is the significance of the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque?
A: The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque is an important site to both Muslim and Christian communities. It is also considered an important historical monument and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
