Selimiye Mosque

🕌 Selimiye Mosque North Cyprus: A Gothic Marvel Turned Ottoman Masterpiece

Selimiye Mosque (Turkish: Selimiye Camii) in North Nicosia, Northern Cyprus, is one of the most remarkable monuments on the island. Originally constructed as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in the Gothic style, it was later converted to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus. With its rich history, architectural fusion, and central spot in the old city, Selimiye Mosque draws tourists, worshippers, historians, and photographers alike.
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🏛️History: From Cathedral to Mosque

Early origins & Gothic cathedral

🏗️ The foundation stone of what was then the cathedral was laid in 1209 during the Lusignan period, though completion spanned decades due to funding and political challenges, with major phases done by 1326.

♱ The building was constructed in the Gothic style, likely on the site of an earlier Byzantine church or earlier structures.

👸Its status was high: it was the coronation church for the Lusignan kings of Cyprus (and sometimes linked with the Kingdom of Jerusalem)

Ottoman conquest & conversion

☪ When the Ottomans conquered Nicosia in 1570, the cathedral was converted into a mosque.

🕌 Minarets were added to the structure to give it the characteristic mosque silhouette.

🩹 In 1954, its name was officially changed to “Selimiye Mosque” in honor of Sultan Selim II, under whose reign the Ottoman conquest had occurred.

Through these changes, the building embodies a layered narrative of faith, culture, and political shifts on the island.
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📐Architectural Features & Layout

Selimiye Mosque is architecturally fascinating because it blends the original Gothic elements of the cathedral with later Islamic features. Some highlights:

👉 Size & capacity: It is the largest surviving Gothic church structure in Cyprus, with interior dimensions of about 66 × 21 meters.

👉 Capacity for worshippers: The mosque can accommodate around 2,500 worshippers.

👉 Mixed styles: The original pointed Gothic arches, ribbed vaulting, and tall nave remain visible. Later, Islamic elements such as the mihrab (prayer niche), minbar (pulpit), and decorative calligraphy were integrated.

👉 Minarets: The two tall minarets were added after conversion, framing the imposing Gothic façade.

👉Unfinished elements: Some parts of the original cathedral plan (e.g. a southwest tower, upper portico) were never built, largely due to funding shortfalls and other interruptions.

👉Surrounding area: Around Selimiye Mosque lies Selimiye Square, as well as the Bedesten (former bazaar) and historical buildings clustered in the Ayia Sophia quarter of Nicosia.

This blend of Gothic and Ottoman styles makes Selimiye a compelling case of architectural syncretism and historical memory.
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🧳 Visitor Guide: How & When to Visit

📅 Opening hours & current status

• The mosque is generally open during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).
• As an active place of worship it may be closed during prayer times to non-worshippers.
• The mosque underwent a major restoration in recent years, and reopened in May 2025.
• There is no standard entrance fee; visiting is typically free, though donations may be welcomed.
• At times, interior access for visitors may still be restricted depending on conservation or religious schedule constraints.

📜 Visitor rules & dress code

• As a functioning mosque, modest dress is required.
• Visitors (both men and women) should cover shoulders, arms and legs.
• Women are required to cover their heads (a scarf is often provided at the entrance).
• Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall.
• Silence and respect are expected.
• Non-Muslim visitors are asked to avoid entering during daily prayer times, unless joining the service.

🕒 Best time & tips

• The quieter moments are early morning or late afternoon, especially just before or after prayer times.
• Since interior access may sometimes be limited, plan to enjoy the exterior façade, arches, courtyards, and surroundings if the interior is closed.
• Combine your visit with nearby attractions in the old city: the Bedesten, the Büyük Han, local shops and cafés in the Ayia Sophia quarter.

🗓️Time needed & access

• A visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on whether you can enter the interior.
• Selimiye Mosque is centrally located in Nicosia’s walled city and is accessible on foot or via local transit.
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✨ Why Selimiye Mosque Matters

Selimiye Mosque is not just an architectural gem—it carries deep historical, cultural, and symbolic significance:

✅ Symbol of continuity and change
The transformation from a Gothic cathedral to a mosque mirrors the shifting religious, political, and cultural tides Cyprus has experienced.

✅ Architectural testimony
It stands as one of the largest Gothic structures in Cyprus still standing, and its hybrid form displays how Islamic architectural elements were grafted onto medieval Christian forms.

✅ Cultural heritage & identity
The mosque is a central religious and communal site in North Nicosia and a landmark in the Ayia Sophia quarter. Its restoration underscores efforts to preserve shared heritage.

✅ Tourism & reconciliation
For visitors, it offers insight into Cyprus’s layered past, and its presence invites reflection on coexistence, identity, and history in one of the Mediterranean’s most contested islands.
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🗓️Suggested Itinerary Around Selimiye Mosque

Here’s how you might structure a walk or half-day exploring around Selimiye Mosque:

🕒 0–10 min Approach Selimiye Mosque across Selimiye Square; admire exterior, take photos
🕒 10–30 min Enter (if permitted) and walk through the interior, observe gothic arches, mihrab, minbar
🕒 30–45 min Visit the Bedesten nearby and local bazaars, shops, cafés in the Ayia Sophia quarter
🕒 45–75 min Explore other nearby attractions: Büyük Han, historic inns, Eaved House (Saçaklı Ev)

Optional Stay for a local music or cultural event if available in the square or nearby
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📝Tips & Warnings

• Check for closures or prayer times in advance, especially due to restoration or religious services.
• Dress modestly and bring a headscarf (if you are female).
• Even if interior access is denied, the exterior and surroundings are worthwhile.
• Respect local norms, avoid loud behavior, and remove shoes as required.
• Use a local guide to get richer historical context.
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🌸Final Thoughts

Selimiye Mosque in North Nicosia is a living monument bridging eras: Gothic, Lusignan, Ottoman, and modern. It is more than a site for worship—it encapsulates Cyprus’s complex history, architectural achievement, and cultural layering. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, pilgrim, or traveler, a visit (even just to its façade) is deeply rewarding.