The Selimiye Mosque (Turkish: Selimiye Camii) is a historic religious building located in the walled city of Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. Originally constructed as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in the 13th century, the edifice was converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1570. It is one of the most prominent examples of Gothic architecture on the island and serves today as an active mosque and a major tourist attraction.
Historical overview
- 13th–14th centuries: Construction of the cathedral began under the Lusignan dynasty, which ruled Cyprus after the fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Work started circa 1300 and continued for several decades, incorporating French‑style Gothic elements such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and elaborate stone tracery.
- 1570: After the Ottoman Empire captured Nicosia, the cathedral was consecrated as a mosque and renamed after Sultan Selim II, who reigned from 1566 to 1574. The Ottoman authorities added characteristic Islamic features, including a mihrab (prayer niche) oriented toward Mecca, a minaret, and a wooden minbar (pulpit).
- 19th–20th centuries: The structure underwent various restorations, particularly under British colonial administration (1878–1960) and later by the Republic of Cyprus. Conservation efforts have focused on preserving both the original Gothic stonework and the later Ottoman additions.
Architectural description
- Exterior: The façade retains its medieval Gothic character, featuring a pointed arch portal, intricate stone carvings, and twin towers capped with conical roofs. The minaret, a later addition, rises from the north‑west corner and reflects typical Ottoman design, built of stone and topped with a conical spire.
- Interior: The nave boasts a high vaulted ceiling supported by clustered columns, with ribbed vaults and a series of stained‑glass windows that were originally installed during the cathedral phase. The mihrab, added after 1570, is set into the southern wall and is framed by a decorative wooden screen (şadırvan). The original choir stalls and some medieval fresco fragments remain visible, illustrating the building’s layered history.
Cultural and religious significance
- The Selimiye Mosque stands as a symbol of Cyprus’s complex religious and political heritage, embodying both Latin Christian and Ottoman Islamic influences.
- It functions as a place of worship for the local Muslim community while also being included in the itinerary of UNESCO‑listed sites within the historic walled city of Nicosia.
Preservation status
- The mosque is protected under the cultural heritage laws of the Republic of Cyprus and is listed as a monument of national importance. Ongoing preservation projects aim to stabilize the stone fabric, restore damaged stained glass, and maintain the structural integrity of the minaret.
Access and visitation
- The Selimiye Mosque is open to visitors during designated hours, with separate access for worshippers. Non‑Muslim visitors are required to observe modest dress codes and respect prayer times, particularly on Fridays.
References
- Historical records from the Lusignan period and Ottoman archives confirm the building’s dual architectural phases.
- Architectural surveys conducted by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus (2021) provide detailed analysis of the structure’s Gothic and Ottoman elements.
- UNESCO documentation on the historic walled city of Nicosia includes the Selimiye Mosque as a key heritage site.
