How does a community thrive far from its ancestral lands? The answer stands before us in Mannheim. It is the Ulu Camii. This house of worship also serves as a cultural center. It represents the enduring spirit of integration and faith. Let’s step closer to discover its story.
The Ulu Camii is part of the Verband der Islamischen Kulturzentren e.V. or VIKZ. The VIKZ is Germany’s oldest Islamic umbrella organization. It promotes religious social and cultural support for Muslims. Founded in 1973 the VIKZ has over 350 mosque and education associations. This shows its wide reach.
Here in Mannheim the Ulu Camii embodies the VIKZ’s mission. The mosque welcomes people of all faiths. It offers a space to learn about Islam. It invites participation in community activities. The VFIB team in Mannheim works hard to create an open atmosphere. They foster integration and education. They closely cooperate with other organizations.
The VIKZ itself has a rich history. It was initially founded as the Islamische Kulturzentrum in 1973. The organization is politically neutral. It addresses the needs of Muslims. These needs include religious social and cultural aspects. The VIKZ sought recognition as a public corporation. This would allow religious instruction in schools. While that is pending the VIKZ continues its mission.
Ali Yilmaz now leads the VIKZ. He became president in February 2018. The VIKZ celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier attended the ceremony. However in October 2023 the VIKZ left the Koordinationsrat der Muslime. The VIKZ wanted to be free from external influences.
The VIKZ’s structure includes nine state associations. It also has around 300 local mosque communities. This decentralized approach strengthens community bonds. The VIKZ is unique. It has trained theologians in Germany since the 1980s. The training program lasts four years. It covers Islamic theology for men and women.
Beyond religious services the VIKZ engages in diverse activities. It focuses on religious education for young Muslims. It offers homework help language courses and computer classes. These courses often partner with local adult education centers. The VIKZ wants to improve communication. It wants to boost participation in public life.
Once the VIKZ partnered with the Otto Benecke Stiftung e. V. They improved education. They improved youth work. They promote intercultural understanding in mosque communities. Every year the VIKZ joins other KRM associations. They host the “Day of the Open Mosque” on October 3rd. Mosques open their doors to everyone. They encourage dialogue. The VIKZ also organized the “Multifestival”. It promoted cultural exchange.
The VIKZ emphasizes Sunni Islam. It allows mystical practices. These include silent meditation and recitations. The VIKZ follows the teachings of Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan. He was a professor and Naqschbandi Sheikh.
Süleyman Efendi was born in Bulgaria in 1888. He taught at Ottoman colleges. He founded a private school for religious education. His students faced discrimination after his death. The VIKZ distances itself from the label “Süleymancılar”.
The VIKZ’s commitment to integration is clear. It trains Imams in Germany. They are familiar with German culture. They possess crucial language and social skills. The VIKZ relies on membership fees and donations. It showcases the community’s dedication.
The Ulu Camii stands as a testament to faith. It also represents community and education. It thrives as a beacon of cultural identity in Mannheim. It enriches German society. The Ulu Camii’s story is one of enduring strength. It embodies the values of integration and mutual respect.