Aziziye Mosque and Community Centre

Nestled in the heart of Stoke Newington, the Aziziye Mosque and Community Centre has a fascinating story to tell. It’s a story of transformation, community, and a vibrant cultural heritage. The Aziziye Mosque wasn’t always a place of worship. This very building began its life in 1913 as the Apollo Picture House, a cinema bringing the magic of moving pictures to North London. It later became the Ambassador Cinema and then the Astra Cinema. It even showed martial arts and adult films before finally closing its doors in 1983. In a remarkable turn of events, the former cinema found new life. The UK Turkish Islamic Association funded the conversion of the building into the Aziziye Mosque. This transformation began in 1983, breathing new life into the structure. The mosque quickly became a focal point for the Turkish community. They had previously been hesitant to attend mosques where services weren’t conducted in Turkish. The Aziziye Mosque offered services in Turkish, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. The Aziziye Mosque and Community Centre is more than just a place of prayer. It boasts a capacity of 2,000 people. It houses a Halal butcher, a weekend school known as the Aziziye Education Centre, a wedding hall, and even a popular restaurant. The mosque’s unique exterior is a testament to its layered history and the rich culture it represents. The building’s original facade remains, adorned with decorative Iznik tiles, a traditional form of Turkish ceramic art. The interior reflects Ottoman architectural influences, complete with ornate chandeliers. It’s said that it took over a decade to import all the necessary materials from Turkey. Today, the Aziziye Mosque and Community Centre stands as a symbol of the vibrant immigrant community in Stoke Newington. It serves not only the Turkish community but also welcomes people of all backgrounds. It is a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of transformation.