Cyprus

Islam in Cyprus has deep historical roots and remains an important religious presence, especially in the Turkish-controlled Northern part of the island.

1. Muslim Population

  • Total Muslim population: Estimated at 18–25% of the island’s population (~1.2 million people).
  • Most Muslims in Cyprus are Turkish Cypriots, who predominantly live in the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — recognized only by Turkey.
  • A small number of foreign Muslim workers, students, and diplomats live in the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus (southern part).
  • The Muslim population has increased with the arrival of Turkish settlers, refugees, and immigrants from countries like Pakistan, Syria, and other Middle Eastern states.

2. History of Islam in Cyprus

  • Islam came to Cyprus after the Ottoman Empire conquered the island in 1571.
  • Many Turkish soldiers and settlers remained on the island, and mosques, madrasahs (Islamic schools), and Sufi lodges were established.
  • After British control (1878–1960) and later the division of the island in 1974, the Muslim population became concentrated in the north.
  • Historically, Greek Cypriots (Orthodox Christians) and Turkish Cypriots (Muslims) lived in mixed areas, but the post-1974 political division created a sharp religious and ethnic split.

3. Religious Practices
In Northern Cyprus, Islam is the majority faith:

  • Most Muslims are Sunni, following the Hanafi school of jurisprudence.
  • Sufism (especially Naqshbandi and Mevlevi orders) has historical significance but is less influential today.
  • Friday prayers, Ramadan fasting, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha are widely observed.

In the southern (Greek Cypriot-controlled) part, Muslims practice their faith privately or in small gatherings, with one or two functioning mosques, mainly serving students and diplomats.

4. Mosques and Islamic Sites
Famous mosques in Cyprus include:

  • Selimiye Mosque (formerly St. Sophia Cathedral) in Nicosia (Lefkoşa) — the most iconic mosque in Northern Cyprus.
  • Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Famagusta (formerly St. Nicholas Cathedral).
  • Several small mosques in the south (like Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca, considered one of Islam’s holiest sites in the region).

Hala Sultan Tekke is believed to be the burial place of Umm Haram, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and is revered by Muslims worldwide.

5. Role in Society

  • In Northern Cyprus, Islam is a significant part of cultural, social, and political life.
  • In the Republic of Cyprus (south), Muslims are a small minority, with limited public religious presence.
  • Both parts of the island guarantee freedom of religion, and interfaith relations are mostly peaceful, though political tensions remain between the two sides.

6. Challenges

  • In the south, some Muslim historical sites are neglected or disused, while Christian sites in the north have suffered similar fates due to the conflict.
  • Political division hinders cooperation between Muslim communities across the island.
  • Muslims in the south (like foreign workers or students) may feel isolated or underserved, with fewer religious facilities.

7. Fun Fact
The Hala Sultan Tekke near Larnaca is sometimes called the “third holiest site in Islam” after Mecca and Medina (particularly in Turkish Islamic tradition), making Cyprus an unexpected destination for some Muslim pilgrims.

Cyprus
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .cy
Country Code: +357