Haydarpasha Mosque

The Haydarpasa Mosque was originally built as the St. Catherine Church by the Lusignans in the 14th century, becoming the second largest church in Nicosia at the time.

Constructed in the gothic flamboyant style of southern France during the 14th century Frankish rule of the island, it is the finest example of this design on the island, and the most notable Lusignan monument in the capital after St. Sophia.

Upon the conquest of Nicosia by the Ottomans in 1570, St. Catherine’s was converted into the Haydarpasa mosque. It was also historically called “Ağalar Camisi”, meaning “the Mosque of the Lords”, as it was largely frequented by local Turkish aristocracy living in the vicinity.

A purpose-built minaret was added on to the south west corner, the tallest slender tower in Cyprus all the way though to 1931. Struck by severe lightning, the minaret was damaged enough to be demolished and was replaced by a shorter understudy, sadly not in keeping with the original structure.  

The church converted mosque has three entrances. The fine masonry of the Gothic south entrance, a masterpiece of detailed stone carvings of the Lusignan insignias on its frame along with an ornamental poppy, are notable features. The west entrance though larger bears the same architecture, its lintel adorned with carved motifs of roses and dragons. The north entrance is comparatively plain, revealing relief ornamentations in the pattern of a nude woman holding a fish and dragon like effigies. 

Great buttresses narrow as they rise and flank the slender windows, ornamented with geometric lattice stucco, the roofline rimmed with gargoyles. The west facade is adorned with a Catherine window, shaped like the wheel of the saints’ martyrdom. The building, which was used as part of the woman’s monastery during the Latin period, had some features added or modified during the Ottoman period.

Inside, two Gothic arches support the vault, consisting of simply crossed ribs. In the apse, six ribs resting on a clustered column spring forth from the keystone. North of the apse is a vestry, the vaulting of which is supported by corbels with intricately carved human heads. Above, the lower windows of a lofty chamber look onto the main church.

Sir Harry Charles Luke, an official in the British Colonial Office, educated in Eton College London and later Trinity College Oxford, had two separate postings in Cyprus either side of World War One. A renowned author and historian, he described this edifice as “the most elegant and perfect Gothic building in Cyprus”.

This attraction is a must-do for curious explorers and religious edifice seekers, if not for any visitor spending an afternoon in Nicosia.   

Across the church courtyard, visitors will also find the house in which Lord Horatio Herbert Kitchener lived, a high ranking military officer of the British Army assigned to conduct the first full triangulated survey of the island as a new British colony in 1878-1882.