Bayraktar Mosque: A Testament to Nicosia's Ottoman Past

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.