Embrace Sacred Places
Halla Sultana Tekke, Larnaka Salt Lake, Cyprus
The Hala Sultana Tekke located on the shores of the Larnaka Salt Lake is a place that is sacred to all Muslims. Umm Haram was the wife of Ubada bin al-Samit, a companion of the Holy Prophet. It is believed the death of Umm Haram occurred between 647 and 649 A.D (C.E).
In 1760, during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, it is believed that Dervish Hasan Efendi discovered her dargah and managed to receive permission to build a shrine around the tomb from administrative and religious authorities. There are also references to two Ottoman governors of Cyprus adding to or building a shrine in her honor, as well as, the Grand Khalif Moavia.
This is a Muslim Shrine for all Muslims in the broadest sense but it also has a clear Dervish (Sufi) presence as can be seen by the turbans above darghas. This is probably why Umm Haram’s Shrine is still called a Tekke. Regardless of scholars disputes, Muslims around the world come here regularly and it is a place of particular sanctity for Muslim women.
In 1760, during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, it is believed that Dervish Hasan Efendi discovered her dargah and managed to receive permission to build a shrine around the tomb from administrative and religious authorities. There are also references to two Ottoman governors of Cyprus adding to or building a shrine in her honor, as well as, the Grand Khalif Moavia.
This is a Muslim Shrine for all Muslims in the broadest sense but it also has a clear Dervish (Sufi) presence as can be seen by the turbans above darghas. This is probably why Umm Haram’s Shrine is still called a Tekke. Regardless of scholars disputes, Muslims around the world come here regularly and it is a place of particular sanctity for Muslim women.