Tomb of Hazrat Omar

The tomb of Commander Ömer is an Ottoman tomb located in the Girne District of the largely unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The tomb is located on the rocky seaside of Çatalköy. Not only does the tomb of Ömer stand there (who served as the second in command of the army of future Ummayad Caliph Mu'awiya I during the first Arab raids on Cyprus) but also of his six friends.

Commander Ömer

M.S. In 647, Commander Ömer an influential commander in the Early Caliphate navy (and one among the many Companions of the Prophet) and his soldiers attacked the north of the Cyprus (island) from the Mediterranean Sea. In a short skirmish with the Byzantine navy following the raid near the Island, Ömer and his six soldiers were killed. There bodies were repatriated to the nearest shore and buried in a cave there. Centuries later In 1571, when the Island of Cyprus was conquered by the Ottomans during the Ottoman–Venetian War (1570–1573), there remains were found and an Ottoman tomb was built for them almost immediately afterwards.

Tomb

Today, the area where the bodies are located have been expanded to include a Mosque, and a fountain. As with all Mosques there is also an Imam, there are shrine keepers as well maintaining the sanctity of the site. There are also areas for tourists as well. The tomb, which was damaged during Cypriot intercommunal violence in 1963, was unconsciously restored after a lightning strike hit the tomb in 1974.

Visits and pilgrimages

The tomb is considered sacred and used to be visited by both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. Islamic Salah prayers are recited frequently and wishes are also made.