The muslim Mosque of Hala Sultan, is found on the right side of the road from Larnaca towards the airport, on the shores of the salt lake called Alyki, It is believed that this is where the Umm Haram is buried, the wife of Ouvadas Ibn-as Sami, the general of Muawiyah, the first Arab who led the raid against Cyprus.
The legend says that as soon as she got off the ship, Umm Haram, as she was sitting on her horse, it got terrified for some reason and dropped her, thus killing her. She was buried a few metres from the shore, on the west side of the Alyki. Umm Haram was the prophet Muhammad's relative and to honour her, she was transferred a long time later on to a new tomb where a small Mosque was built in the beginning, which was enlarged later on to what it looks like today.
The tomb was covered with fabrics and put on three large stones. Those who can see the tomb, say that one of the stones is suspended without being supported by anything.
The Mosque is one of the most important pilgrimages for the Muslims of Cyprus. The government of the Republic of Cyprus, in respect to the religious rights of all of its residents, takes care of the Mosque and keeps it in great condition.
