Kırklar Türbesi
📍 4GC7+8PV, Kırklar 99100, North Cyprus
⭐ 4.9 / 5.0
Kırklar Türbesi (Tomb of the Forty) is a historic Islamic shrine in Kırklar village, near Ercan International Airport in North Cyprus. Dating to the Ottoman period and built atop an underground cave traditionally said to contain the tombs of the Forty Sahaba (companions of the Prophet Muhammad), the site is one of the island's most revered pilgrimage destinations. The whitewashed, three-corridor structure features distinctive vaulted ceilings and a tranquil courtyard, drawing visitors interested in religious heritage, Ottoman architecture and quiet reflection.
According to local tradition, the underground cave beneath the shrine holds the remains of forty early Islamic martyrs who travelled to Cyprus during the first Arab incursions of the 7th century. Over the centuries the site became a place of pilgrimage for Cypriot Muslims, with generations of villagers visiting to offer prayers, light candles and tie small pieces of cloth to nearby trees as symbols of personal vows and wishes. The name "Kırklar" itself means "the Forty" in Turkish, a number that carries deep spiritual significance in Sufi and folk Islamic tradition.
The architecture is modest but striking. A low, whitewashed exterior gives way to three narrow vaulted corridors lined with simple cenotaphs draped in green cloth. Soft natural light filters in through small openings, and the cool stone interior offers a welcome respite from the Mesaoria plain's summer heat. A small courtyard with mature trees provides a peaceful setting for contemplation, and you'll often find caretakers happy to share stories about the shrine's history with respectful visitors.
Kırklar Türbesi is best combined with a wider exploration of the Mesaoria region — the broad agricultural plain stretching between Nicosia and Famagusta. The shrine is only a few minutes' drive from Ercan Airport, making it a convenient first or last stop on a North Cyprus itinerary, particularly for travellers interested in the island's layered religious history. Visitors should dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees), remove shoes before entering the tomb chambers, and keep voices low out of respect for those who come to pray.
Key facts:
- Type: Religious shrine / historic tomb
- Era: Ottoman period (18th century)
- Location: Kırklar village, near Ercan Airport
- Entry: Free
- Best for: Heritage visits, cultural tourism, quiet reflection
According to local tradition, the underground cave beneath the shrine holds the remains of forty early Islamic martyrs who travelled to Cyprus during the first Arab incursions of the 7th century. Over the centuries the site became a place of pilgrimage for Cypriot Muslims, with generations of villagers visiting to offer prayers, light candles and tie small pieces of cloth to nearby trees as symbols of personal vows and wishes. The name "Kırklar" itself means "the Forty" in Turkish, a number that carries deep spiritual significance in Sufi and folk Islamic tradition.
The architecture is modest but striking. A low, whitewashed exterior gives way to three narrow vaulted corridors lined with simple cenotaphs draped in green cloth. Soft natural light filters in through small openings, and the cool stone interior offers a welcome respite from the Mesaoria plain's summer heat. A small courtyard with mature trees provides a peaceful setting for contemplation, and you'll often find caretakers happy to share stories about the shrine's history with respectful visitors.
Kırklar Türbesi is best combined with a wider exploration of the Mesaoria region — the broad agricultural plain stretching between Nicosia and Famagusta. The shrine is only a few minutes' drive from Ercan Airport, making it a convenient first or last stop on a North Cyprus itinerary, particularly for travellers interested in the island's layered religious history. Visitors should dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees), remove shoes before entering the tomb chambers, and keep voices low out of respect for those who come to pray.
Key facts:
- Type: Religious shrine / historic tomb
- Era: Ottoman period (18th century)
- Location: Kırklar village, near Ercan Airport
- Entry: Free
- Best for: Heritage visits, cultural tourism, quiet reflection
