In 2023, after restoration in the center of Larnaki, the Sukhuri area opened - the urban space formed by the mosque of the same name. Before the restoration of the restoration, there was a parking lot at this place, but today it is an important center of urban cultural life.
The name comes from the Arabic word "Zuhr", so in Islam they call the obligatory midday prayer. Consequently, the Sukhuri mosque is a "mosque of midday prayer."
The exact date of construction of the mosque is unknown. The sources have an indication of the mid -17th century as a possible date of construction. Until 1826, the mosque belonged to the Order of Bektash. Bektashi - the Sufi Order in Islam, which since the 15th century was associated with the Yanychar corps. In 1826, that is, after the disbandment of the Yanycharsky Corps, the mosque became the temple of Dervish-Sufi.
The building of the Sukhuri mosque includes the prayer hall, a madrassah (school) and an extension with a dome. A corridor leads to this extension from the main hall. In 1860, the mosque was restored, a minaret and a covered veranda was added to it.
During the repair of the mosque in the underground, an imperishable body was found. The spiritual authorities considered that these were the remains of a saint or righteous of Vera, so he was buried in a special tomb, for which they built the aforementioned extension with a dome.
Around the temple courtyard (this is the current Sukhuri Square), a trade quarter was formed. At the beginning of the twentieth century, part of the minaret raised and was never restored.
The buildings of the mosque Zukhuri, madrassas and trading shops around them are declared a monument of history and architecture and are taken under the protection of the Antiquities Department. The restoration was carried out at the EU expense under the UN Development Program on the card.
Photo by AFTODIOKISI.com.cy Photo AFTODIOKISI.com.cy
The text is prepared based on the materials of AFTODIOKISI.com.cy, Visit Cyprus, dom.com.cy and Cyprus highlights.com.
