Haydarpasa Mosque, Nicosia

It seems that the mosques of Nicosia are built on the remains of old Catholic churches. The Haydarpasa Mosque on Kirlizade Street is no different. It was built in the 14th century as Saint Catherine's Church. Sir Harry Charles Luke, while secretary to the Lord High Commissioner of Cyprus, called it the finest Gothic edifice on the island.

The Ottomans conquered the island in 1570 and poof! the church became a mosque. It was the favorite mosque of the local Turkish aristocracy. The right side of the mosque is rumored to hide the tomb of Saint Catherine. Greek Cypriots have been known to light oil lamps there.

The front portal is plainly Gothic, the cornice arch holding a poppy-head. Over everything is a Catherine's Wheel. The minaret is the highest in the city after Ayia Sophia. There are two Gothic doorways. One with a marble lintel having a rose between two dragons. There is a ruin on the right with a few Gothic arches and columns.

The interior had been whitewashed. The whitewash was removed in the 20th century, revealing indistinct paintings on the walls. Gothic arches support the ceiling vault. Just north of the apse is a sacristy. The sacristy vault is supported by corbels sporting carved human heads.

The direction of Mecca and minbar pulpit are on the right, unlike other mosques. These days the mosque operates as an art gallery. Until not long ago it was a marriage registration office.