North Cyprus · Famagusta
Sinan Pasha Mosque
An ancient structure where faith, culture, and historical memories come together
History
The Sinan Pasha Mosque is one of the most historically and culturally significant structures in the city of Famagusta, Cyprus. Originally built in the 14th century with finely cut stones in Gothic architectural style, the structure was first opened for worship as the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. After the Ottoman conquest of Famagusta, it was converted into a mosque, with the addition of a mihrab, minbar, and minaret, and was named after the commander Sinan Pasha. During the British Colonial Period, the mosque was used as a warehouse for storing agricultural products such as potatoes and grains, earning it the nickname "Wheat Mosque." This function continued during and after World War II, and from 1941 onwards, it was used as a storage facility for wheat imported by the state. In the southeastern corner of the mosque lies a marble sarcophagus belonging to the famous Ottoman diplomat Yirmisekiz Çelebi Mehmed Efendi, known for his work Paris Sefâretnâmesi. With this feature, the mosque stands out not only as a place of worship but also as a site of historical significance.