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Bayraktar Mosque: A Testament to Nicosia's Ottoman Past

Discover the Bayraktar Mosque in Nicosia, a historical landmark commemorating Ottoman heritage and the city's diverse past.

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The Bayraktar Mosque in Nicosia stands as a memorial to the Ottoman flag-bearer who fell during the city's conquest in 1570. Initially a grave, it evolved into a tomb and later a mosque, bearing witness to Nicosia's diverse cultural influences.

A brief summary to Bayraktar Mosque

  • 5998+J57, Konstantinou Palaiologou, Nicosia, CY
  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the mosque on Wednesday or Saturday to experience the OXI farmers market nearby.
  • Dress modestly to respect the religious significance of the site.
  • Explore the Constanza Bastion, where the mosque is located, for historical insights.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Ledra Street, a central point in Nicosia, walk towards the Old City. Follow signs for Derviş Paşa Street, then turn left onto Konstantinou Palaiologou Street. The Bayraktar Mosque will be on your left, approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Look for the Constanza Bastion, as the mosque is located on its western end.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus heading towards the city center with a stop at 'Ledra Street' or 'Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque'. From the bus stop, walk towards Derviş Paşa Street, then turn onto Konstantinou Palaiologou Street. The mosque will be visible shortly. A single bus fare within Nicosia typically costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from the city center to the Bayraktar Mosque will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €5-€8 for the ride. Specify 'Bayraktar Mosque on Konstantinou Palaiologou Street' to the driver.

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Discover more about Bayraktar Mosque

The Bayraktar Mosque, located in the southern sector of Nicosia, Cyprus, commemorates the Ottoman conquest of the city in 1570. The mosque is dedicated to the flag-bearer (Bayraktar), who died planting the Ottoman flag on Nicosia's walls. The exact date of the original construction is unknown, but the site initially held a grave for the fallen soldier. Over time, the grave became a tomb, and later a small masjid (mosque) without a minaret. In 1767, an Italian traveler noted a masjid without a minaret next to the tomb. In 1820/21, a minaret, minbar (pulpit), and mihrab were added by Abdullah Pasha, transforming it into a fully functional mosque. The mosque's architecture blends Ottoman and local elements. The rectangular structure aligns northwest-southeast. The entrance has a pointed arch, with an inscription detailing repairs. The corner near the entrance is a tomb, separated by a wall to create a visitor space. A three-arched narthex is at the front, and the minaret is next to the tomb wall. The mosque has faced turmoil, bombed three times during intercommunal violence in the 1960s. The first bombing in 1962 caused damage and escalated tensions. The mosque was repaired, but the minaret wasn't fully restored until later. In 1930, a relic of hairs from the Prophet Muhammad's beard was stolen. Visitors would kiss it and place it on their foreheads during religious occasions. Today, the Bayraktar Mosque stands as a symbol of Nicosia's cultural heritage. It is located on the western end of the Constanza Bastion, near the OXI Market. Remnants of the old washing pool and basins are in the small garden.

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