Mosques of Germany
In our series, we are introducing beautiful mosques from different countries. This time, the mosques we will get to know are in Germany.
DITIB Cologne Central Mosque
The story of DITIB Cologne Central Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Germany and even in Europe, begins in 2001. Permission is obtained to convert this former warehouse into a mosque, but with one condition. A design competition is held to select the person to regulate the mosque’s architecture.
DITIB Cologne Central Mosque
Finally, in 2005, an international project is organized with 111 architects participating, and the project by German architects Paul and Gottfried Böhm, symbolizing DITIB’s transparency and the mosque’s openness to everyone, is chosen as the winner.
The construction of the mosque, which began in 2009, was opened for worship after 8 years. The mosque, with a somewhat simple yet modern appearance from the outside, has a dome that is 35 meters high and two minarets that are 55 meters high. Unlike the usual architectural style, the worship area of this mosque consists of two levels. The interior is spacious, with decorations in gold and silver.
DITIB Duisburg Central Mosque
This mosque, which has a special atmosphere during the Ramadan months, was considered Germany’s largest mosque until the opening of the Cologne Central Mosque. It stands out with its architecture adhering to Turkish traditions. It has a large dome and several small domes, along with a single minaret. During Ramadan, preparations are made, and a cannon is fired to signal the iftar time. The sound of the call to prayer can be faintly heard from the nearby houses.
Berlin Şehitlik Mosque
As the name suggests, this mosque is located within the Turkish martyrs’ cemetery and is a gift from the Kingdom of Prussia. The decision to establish the cemetery dates back to 1711 and has become a symbol of Turkish-German friendship. The story of the cemetery begins with the burial of the first martyr, Giritli Aziz Efendi Hazretleri, who passed away in Germany and was buried here. Ottoman officers wounded in World War I and later brought to Berlin for treatment were also buried here, which led to the naming of the cemetery as a martyrs’ cemetery.
Its architecture recalls traditional Turkish mosques. With a congregation capacity of approximately 1500 people, the mosque has two minarets with balconies, each 37 meters in length.
Islamic Forum Penzberg Mosque
This mosque, without a dome, has quite remarkable doors. The Entrance Gate resembles an open book. On one side, it has the Basmala, the Fatiha, and the 19th verse of Surah Al-Hujurat written, while the other side has the German translation. The architecture was designed by Alen Jasarevic. This modern-style mosque was opened in 2005, and the sermons are delivered in the German language.
Schwetzingen Mosque
Known as Germany’s first and thus the oldest mosque, it is part of the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens and was built between 1792 and 1793. The mosque was initially intended as a symbol of respect for all religions and cultures, but it served as a place of worship for Muslims, particularly in the 1870s and 1980s. Nowadays, it is mainly visited for sightseeing purposes in its garden and interior.
