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Being at a scenic spot on the southern coast of Cyprus, Larnaca is both a popular tourist destination and a busy business center. You can take a flight to Larnaca, from where its various resorts and interesting locations can be reached by a car.

A great place to start is the mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke, which is situated very close to the salt lake. It is located at the southern end of Larnaca. According to the popular legend once Prophet Muhammads aunt was traveling with her husband during an Arab raid that was carried out on Cyprus in 649. During an attack by the Byzantine army the aunt twisted and got hurt on the neck. She instantly died and was buried at this location where the Mosque called Hala Sultan Tekke stands.

The Mosque that was constructed here in her memory is considered to be fourth among the religiously most important places for Muslims. The complex of Hala Sultan Tekke was constructed in piece meal staring from the last few years in the 18th century and the work got carried over to several years ahead in the 19th century. Sheikh Hassan constructed a shrine during A.D 1760. After a while Hala Sultan Tekke was constructed further, the way it stands today, during A.D 1816 to 1817.

As you enter the garden along the Hala Sultan Tekke the entry gate contains an Ottoman inscription from March 1813. The inscription contains Sultan Mahmud the Seconds monogram that shows on both sides. It reads that Hala Sultan Tekke was constructed by the Gods beloved governor of Ottoman Cyprus.

The garden is believed to have been designed by Pasha and is known by the same name. There are some buildings near the Tekke. These are called Gul, en Feyz. It means the rose garden representing enlightenment or plenitude.

On the northern side of the entrance there was a guesthouse meant for males. On the right hand side there was one more guesthouse. Out of these guesthouse there was one section reserved for females visiting the mosque. It was named a Haremlik. Another one named Selamlik was reserved for males again. The mosque has a dome shape on the roof and consists of a balcony. It was constructed using bright yellow stones in order to make solid blocks out of them. The structure was appropriated in 1959.

The visiting hours of the complex are 7.30 a.m. to sundown in summers and 9.00 a.m. to sundown in winters. Entry fee to the complex is in form of a donation. It is a great place to enjoy some great architecture and reminisce about the historical significance of Prophet Mohammed.