The visit organized by the Cyprus Evkaf Administration and Religious Affairs Presidency to Hala Sultan Tekke, one of the sacred places revered by the Islamic world on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, took place with significant participation.

A group of 650 people, departing from the Metehan Border Crossing by buses, arrived at Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca under tight security measures.

During the visit, the guests explored the shrine and had a spiritually significant experience by performing their prayers. This special visit, concluded with prayers, remained a memorable moment for all guests.

Who is Hala Sultan?

Located near the Salt Lake in Larnaca, known with her shrine and complex, Hala Sultan is identified as Umm Haram bint Milhan. Some sources refer to her as er-Rumeysa or al-Gumeysa.

According to a Hadith in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw in a dream that Hala Sultan would be among the first (sea warriors) and would participate in a naval expedition.

Hala Sultan took part in the first naval expedition to Cyprus between 648-649 CE, departing from Acre port to Cyprus. Despite her advanced age during the sea voyage, she fell off a mule and became a martyr in the region where her shrine now stands in Larnaca, and was buried there.

When the Ottoman navy set sail for the Mediterranean, upon reaching the vicinity of Larnaca, they saluted Hala Sultan with three cannon shots. She is deeply beloved in the entire Islamic world, the Turkish world, and particularly in the hearts of Turkish Cypriots.

Following the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1571, it became an important pilgrimage site with the construction of a shrine and mosque, becoming significant after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.