Journey to the Past
History of Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque
The deep-rooted history of the mosque dates back to the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire. The building, which was built as a church during the Byzantine rule on the island, was named Ayios Georgios. Between 700 and 1000, Muslim raiders made operations to the Lefke region and captured some land.
The church was taken over by Muslims and converted into a mosque for the first time during this period. With the decline of Muslim influence, the mosque turned into ruins. After the Ottoman conquest of the island, the state of the mosque was noticed by Mehmet Bey, one of the commanders, and the mosque was rebuilt.
The reconstructed mosque was named Piri Mehmet Pasha, after Mehmet Bey’s grandfather.
Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque has typical Ottoman architectural features. It has a last congregation place with three arches and a cylindrical body made of cut stone. It is also the only mosque in Lefke whose dome is made of cut stone. Inside and in the garden of the mosque are the mausoleums of two important personalities. These precious people whose tombs are located in the garden are Vizier Osman Pasha and Hüseyin Ağa, who contributed greatly to the settlement of Lefke.
Location
Where is Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque?
Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque is located on Fadıl Nekipzade Street in the city of Lefke in the west of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The mosque is in a very central location of Lefke. Important points such as Lefke Municipality and Martyrdom are within walking distance of the mosque.
Transportation
How to get to Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque?
To see this almost 1000-year-old mosque, you must first go to the Lefke region of Cyprus. For this, after following the Güzelyurt – Nicosia highway in the west direction, you can enter the city via Mehmet Akif Street. When you continue in the south direction, this street connects to Nekipzade Street where the mosque is located.
If you have not yet entered Cyprus, flights from Turkey to Nicosia Ercan Airport take approximately 1 hour. You can reach Lefke from the airport by private car or taxi. You can also come to the island with ferry services from Kyrenia Port and from here you can go to Lefke by land. You can also consider car rental options for transportation to Lefke.
The driving time to Lefke is approximately 1 hour from Nicosia and Kyrenia and approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Famagusta. You can use intercity buses or your own vehicle for transportation to the region. Apart from these, you can also take a look at car rental options.
Visit Information
Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee
Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque is open for worship and visiting hours are organized according to the prayer times. Entrance to the mosque is free of charge. During the visit, you will be expected to follow the mosque rules and dress according to Islamic rules.
Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque Photos
Plan your Lefke Travel Route
Places to visit in Lefke
Historical aqueducts, fountains, monuments and ancient cities await you in Lefke. There are many places you can visit in Lefke, full of historical buildings from the Ottoman and Venetian periods and the wonders of Cypriot nature.
