Oman donates $1 million to restore Limassol mosque in Cyprus

Oman has pledged Cyprus $1 million to help renovate a historic mosque in the heart of Limassol, according to local reports.

The Kepir Mosque, or Grand Mosque, is around 200-year-old and stands in the capital's old town, and is touted as one of the most important historic sites on the island.

The mosque was built by Aga Mestan between 1829 and 1830 on the site of a Byzantine church and also hosts the graves of key Ottoman figures such as Mehmet Efendi and Suleiman Passa, admiral of the Ottoman fleet.

It was granted by the government to serve the needs of Limassol's Muslim community, according to Terrabook.

Cyprus' department of public works signed a 1.01 million euros contract to renovate the mosque over the next 15 months.

Oman's embassy in Limassol pledged 1 million euros for the project, according to the Cyprus News Agency.