Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque Famagusta Cyprus

Cyprus is a land of contrasts, torn between Greek and Turkish lineage. This 14th century mosque is actually in Turkish Famagusta, known locally as Gazima?usa, and it used to be a cathedral. Consecrated as St Nicholas in 1328, at first glance this seems like a classical French structure with ornate design and rich tracery detail. But whats this? Look to the sky and somethings missing. The soaring limestone towers that once graced the western elevation are no longer destroyed during the Ottoman Empire and subsequently replaced with a single incongruous minaret. Little original decor remains, save a solitary stained glass window high in the front facade.