Religion, Myth and Economy Around Salt Lake of Larnaca: Saint Lazarus and Umm Haram in Ottoman Cyprus (1570-1650)

Abstract

Salt Lake near Larnaca town in Cyprus and its salt played a significant part in Cyprus' religious, cultural, social, and economic life during the Venetian administration (1489-1570) and its predecessor's time, the Frankish Period (1191-1489), and that of the Ottomans (1570-1878). The exportation of the salt of good quality which was produced in the salt lake was an important revenue source for the Kingdoms in Cyprus. In addition to this, there was a salt tax which was levied during the Frankish period. Besides these features, the salt lake had a Christian character. Because according to the myth the salt lake one of the miracles of Saint Lazarus who was a Christina saint and a church which had been devoted for him had been built near the lake. The salt lake was precious for Cyprus' Orthodox in terms of religious reasons and for Cyprus' treasury in terms of economic reasons. The Ottoman Capture of Cyprus from the Venetians brought about some novel permanent features for Cyprus and its islanders, such as a new taxation system, a new social structure and religious picture including Islamic tradition. The Ottoman conquest of Cyprus did not reduce the financial value of the salt tax. In the early years of the conquest, the Ottomans abolished the salt tax. But thirty years later, the salt tax re-imposed. The exportation of the salt was maintained. In addition to this, the salt lake won an Islamic aspect. Because the Umm Haram's tomb, who was Muhammed's milk aunt and took part the Muslim's first expedition to Cyprus and died in Cyprus during this campaign, was discovered near the salt lake. A new tomb and a tekke was built for her. From this date on, the salt lake also had an Islamic character. Based on the original Ottoman archival documents which was used first time in this study, this research explores the social, economic and religious characters of the salt lake in Cyprus during the period under question.