Thousands of non-Muslims have visited the Fatih Mosque in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to learn about Islam and explore Islamic and Turkish cultural traditions during an annual public event.
The mosque hosted the visitors on Saturday, November 7, as part of the city’s annual Museum Night, which allows members of the public to explore cultural and historical institutions.
The event featured presentations about Islam, mosques and Islamic traditions, alongside exhibitions of Turkish arts, handicrafts and cuisine, Anadolu Agency reported.
The programme began with the adhan (call to prayer), followed by Quran recitation and religious hymns.
Fikret Önder, an official of the Fatih Mosque, said this was the 10th time the mosque had participated in the annual event.
He said visitors received presentations about Islam in different languages and had opportunities to experience Turkish cultural traditions.
Önder said the initiative was primarily aimed at addressing prejudices among young people about Islam, Turkish people and foreigners.
He added that the mosque remained open to everyone interested in learning about the religion.
The building housing the Fatih Mosque was originally constructed as a church in 1920 but later closed following a decline in its congregation.
In 1980, Turkish workers living in Amsterdam purchased the property and converted it into a mosque to serve their religious needs.
The building came under the management of the Turkish Diyanet Foundation in the Netherlands in 1986 and has continued to operate as the Fatih Mosque.
The mosque hosted the visitors on Saturday, November 7, as part of the city’s annual Museum Night, which allows members of the public to explore cultural and historical institutions.
The event featured presentations about Islam, mosques and Islamic traditions, alongside exhibitions of Turkish arts, handicrafts and cuisine, Anadolu Agency reported.
The programme began with the adhan (call to prayer), followed by Quran recitation and religious hymns.
Fikret Önder, an official of the Fatih Mosque, said this was the 10th time the mosque had participated in the annual event.
He said visitors received presentations about Islam in different languages and had opportunities to experience Turkish cultural traditions.
Önder said the initiative was primarily aimed at addressing prejudices among young people about Islam, Turkish people and foreigners.
He added that the mosque remained open to everyone interested in learning about the religion.
The building housing the Fatih Mosque was originally constructed as a church in 1920 but later closed following a decline in its congregation.
In 1980, Turkish workers living in Amsterdam purchased the property and converted it into a mosque to serve their religious needs.
The building came under the management of the Turkish Diyanet Foundation in the Netherlands in 1986 and has continued to operate as the Fatih Mosque.