Hz. Omer Tomb

For centuries, tombs have been extremely significant for Muslims living in Turkish territories.

People have a variety of reasons for visiting those tombs, including prayers for healing, or to gain some relief for the pain in their life, particularly during the Muslim month of Ramadan.

Six kilometres to the east of Kyrenia on the coast near Çatalköy lies the tomb of Hazreti (Saint) Omer, a holy place according to Islam belief.  

Completely out of sight with spectacular views of the Five Finger Mountains and the foamy waves of the Mediterranean, the tomb of Hz. Omer is an exquisite and peaceful location.

The tomb is in fact the final resting place of not only Commander Omer, but of six other warriors or Holy Men as well. It dates from the Arab raids of the 7th century, although there was almost certainly a local pagan shrine before then.

The small mosque and Mausoleum were built during the Ottoman period at this charming coast location, and the bodies were exhumed and interred again.

In a typically Cypriot fashion, the tekke or Dervish convent which grew up around the tombs was venerated by both the Orthodox and Muslim communities before 1974.

The tomb was also renovated in the 1950s, and today you will find fascinating tapestries and rugs within the tomb.