“What if a humble green mosque became a beacon of Quranic learning?” That’s the story of the Havuzbaşı Yeşil Camii. It is located in Istanbul’s Eyüp district. More precisely it is in Rami Yeni Mahallesi. This mosque is not just a place for prayer. It is a center of profound Islamic education.
The Havuzbaşı Yeşil Camii stands as a testament to dedication. It is dedicated to nurturing future generations of Hafiz. Hafiz are those who memorize the entire Quran. This mosque’s Quran course has gained prominence throughout Istanbul. It has produced hundreds of Hafiz over the years.
Let’s step inside the world of the Havuzbaşı Yeşil Camii. Students here embark on a rigorous journey. They start by learning to read the Quran fluently. They also study religious knowledge encompassing belief worship ethics and the life of Prophet Muhammad.
Each year nearly 43 students from the Havuzbaşı Yeşil Camii participate in the Hafiz recognition exam. This exam is conducted by the Presidency of Religious Affairs. They then receive their Hafiz diplomas. Beyond memorization, students delve into the art of beautiful Quran recitation. They also learn the sciences of Qiraat.
But the Havuzbaşı Yeşil Camii’s curriculum extends beyond traditional religious studies. Students receive practical training. They learn how to deliver sermons and preach effectively. They also gain computer skills. This allows them to obtain certifications through public education centers.
Ebu Bekir Taftan is one of the esteemed instructors at the Havuzbaşı Yeşil Camii Quran Course. He explains the two-year program in detail. First-year students focus on reading the Quran. They also study religious knowledge Siyer Akaid Talim and Tecvid. The second year is dedicated to Hafiz training.
The Havuzbaşı Yeşil Camii welcomes students aged 7 to 15. These students continue their secondary education alongside their religious studies. Even those attending Imam Hatip schools receive Arabic language instruction here.
With a main campus and branches in Bayrampaşa and Çağlayan the Havuzbaşı Yeşil Camii accommodates 200 students. Twenty dedicated teachers guide them. Annually the center produces 20 to 25 new Hafiz. Every two years a graduation ceremony celebrates their achievements. Graduates often lead Quran recitations in nearby mosques. Each teacher nurtures about ten Hafiz. A new campus is also under construction in Sultangazi.
The Havuzbaşı Yeşil Camii’s commitment to Islamic education is unwavering. It is planned to open an Islamic Sciences Academy Center in 2016. This underscores its role as a vital center for learning.
The Havuzbaşı Yeşil Camii is more than a mosque. It is a nurturing ground for spiritual and intellectual growth. It shapes the future of Istanbul’s religious scholars.