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Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca

Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca

Hala Sultan Tekke is a mosque complex located on the western shore of Larnaca Salt Lake. It was built between 1760 and 1817.  prime-travel This Ottoman-era monument marks the burial site of Umm Haram, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad who died in Cyprus during the first Arab raids in 647 or 649 AD. The site is considered the third or fourth holiest place in Islam by various sources and remains an important pilgrimage destination for Muslims worldwide. Historical Background According to Islamic tradition, Umm Haram was either the foster sister of Muhammad's mother Amina or the wife of Ubada bin al-Samit, a companion of the Prophet. She accompanied Arab forces under Caliph Muawiyah during their expedition to expand Muslim territory in the Mediterranean. Historical accounts describe her as elderly when she arrived in Cyprus. During the siege of Larnaca, she fell from her mule and died from the injuries. She was buried at the spot where she fell, near the salt lake. parakalo The tomb remained known through oral tradition but was formally identified by the Ottomans after they conquered Cyprus in 1571. In the 18th century, a dervish named Sheikh Hassan discovered a two-chambered tomb at the site with inscriptions in Old Ottoman. This discovery confirmed the location and prompted religious authorities to develop the site as a…

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Cypriot Wine Bottles and Vessels

Cypriot Wine Bottles and Vessels

Cyprus developed a distinct tradition of wine storage and transport vessels over 6,000 years. The island's geographic position between three continents made it a vital Mediterranean trading hub where wine culture flourished. From ancient egg-shaped jars discovered at Erimi dating to 3000 BCE to massive pitharia storage vessels holding up to 2,000 liters, these containers represent far more than simple pottery. detaykibris-com. Each vessel type served specific purposes in wine production, fermentation, storage, and trade. The containers tell stories of technical innovation, economic networks, and cultural practices that shaped wine civilization across Europe and the Mediterranean. Historical Context Archaeological excavations at Erimi-Bamboula conducted by Porphyrios Dikaios between 1932 and 1935 uncovered egg-shaped jars from the Chalcolithic period around 3900 to 2500 BCE. These jars featured long narrow necks, pointed nipple bases, and no handles. Tests conducted in 2005 analyzed residues from eighteen jar bases, with twelve showing large traces of tartaric acid, a naturally occurring compound found primarily in grapes. This discovery confirmed these vessels were used to intentionally process wine, making them predecessors to later amphora-type wine storage containers. erachair-dch-eu The Bronze Age brought expansion in wine trade. From 3300 to 2000 BCE, organized small-scale commerce developed with Egypt and the Syrian-Palestinian coast. The Canaanite amphora emerged as the earliest commercial vessel type in the Mediterranean, serving as a…

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Living History of Fishing In Cyprus

Living History of Fishing In Cyprus

Fishing has shaped life along the Cypriot coast for thousands of years. From small family boats setting out before sunrise to modern vessels working farther offshore, the way fish are caught reflects deeper stories about culture, sustainability, and identity. This article explores how artisanal and industrial fishing coexist in Cyprus, why certain marine species matter so deeply to local life, and how food, regulation, and global recognition are reshaping the island’s relationship with the sea. adobe-stock-com Understanding the Two Worlds of Fishing At its simplest, fishing in Cyprus today exists in two parallel worlds. One is artisanal fishing, rooted in tradition, small-scale effort, and close ties to local communities. The other is industrial fishing, shaped by modern technology, larger vessels, and wider markets. adobe-stock-com Artisanal fishing usually involves small boats operated by their owners, often with help from family members. These fishers work close to shore, rely on experience passed down through generations, and bring back relatively small catches that are sold fresh, often the same day. Industrial fishing, by contrast, uses larger, motorized vessels and mechanized gear to harvest greater volumes of fish, sometimes destined for processing or export rather than immediate local consumption. Both forms are legal and regulated, and both contribute to the island’s food supply. Yet they differ not just in scale, but in how they…

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