Arapahmet Mosque
Arapahmet Mosque
- Arab Ahmet Musjid is a significant Ottoman-era Musjid located in the western Arab Ahmet Quarter of North Nicosia, Northern Cyprus. Built in the late 16th century, it was named after the Ottoman commander who led the conquest of Cyprus in 1571. The Musjid stands as a testament to the region’s Ottoman heritage and classical Islamic architecture.
- The Musjid follows a typical Ottoman architectural style, with a large central dome—the only Musjid in Cyprus to feature such a structure. The main prayer hall is covered by a 6-meter-wide hemispherical dome, while three smaller domes shelter the entrance. Additionally, four corner domes complete the Musjid’s exterior symmetry. The design reflects Byzantine influences, incorporating a cruciform plan with pendentives—a method commonly used to transition from a square base to a circular dome.
- Due to age-related wear and structural concerns, the Musjid underwent an extensive renovation in 1845, preserving its distinctive Ottoman character.
- Unlike many Musjids with intricate decorative details, Arab Ahmet Musjid maintains a minimalist and elegant design, emphasizing clean lines and geometric simplicity.
- Before the construction of the Musjid, the site housed an old church, remnants of which can still be found within the Musjid’s garden and nearby homes. Scattered around the enclosure are architectural fragments from the church, including a lintel bearing two lion emblems and several 14th-century gravestones. Interestingly, two 16th-century Renaissance-style tomb slabs remain unfinished, with blank shields that were seemingly meant for inscriptions or coats of arms.
- Arab Ahmet Musjid remains an active place of worship and a symbol of Cyprus’ Ottoman past. Surrounded by the historic Arab Ahmet Quarter, the Musjid is a focal point for both religious practice and cultural heritage.