Here stands the DITIM – Türkisch Islamisches Zentrum. It is a place of faith and community. Let’s step inside and explore its story.
The DITIM – Türkisch Islamisches Zentrum in Munich offers a space for Muslims. Most of the Muslims have Turkish roots. It is a place to practice their religion. The Diyanet İşleri Türk İslam Merkezi is the official Turkish name. In German, it means Turkish Islamic Community Center Munich. The mosque association uses this name too.
DITIM has 42 members. It belongs to the DITIB umbrella organization. The Turkish Consul and the Consulate’s Religious Attaché are in charge. They appoint the mosque’s Imam. He is an employee of the Turkish state. DITIB also oversees mosques in Pasing and Allach.
Since 2004, DITIM has hosted “Open Mosque Days”. This helps locals get to know them. It also builds bridges with non-Muslims. DITIM emphasizes that visitors are always welcome.
At DITIM – Türkisch Islamisches Zentrum prayers are held daily. They are said in Arabic but Turkish is the main language. Friday prayers are especially important. The teahouse offers a place to meet. It has non-commercial refreshments. There is also a TV and a pool table. The library welcomes guests too.
There are special programs for women. An Islamic theologian teaches Koran lessons. A large Mother’s Day celebration occurs each year. Girls can join groups to discuss religious topics. There is also a theater and choir group for girls aged eleven to fourteen. Boys can attend religious discussion hours too. Seniors find support at the mosque. They receive advice on applications and housing.
DITIM – Türkisch Islamisches Zentrum fosters interreligious dialogue. They achieve this through events and neighborhood connections. They also organize school visits.
The current prayer house was once a furniture store. It is a typical “backyard mosque”. It is hard to recognize as a mosque from the outside. It sits in a residential area. The building has about 656 square meters of floor space. There are prayer rooms for men and women on two floors. There is also a multipurpose room and offices. A library and a teahouse provide spaces for community. The Imam’s apartment is also on site. Restrooms are available.
About 130 people can visit the DITIM – Türkisch Islamisches Zentrum at once. Up to 700 visitors come on holidays. DITIM planned to renovate in 2004 due to limited space. However, neighbors opposed these plans.
To avoid conflicts, DITIM asked Munich for help. They wanted an alternative site for a new mosque. The city suggested a vacant lot on Gotzinger Platz. It was suitable for a religious building. The lot is near the current DITIM location.
The mosque would have faced St. Korbinian church. The city council required a parking garage nearby. This was to replace lost parking spaces.
In 2010, DITIM announced that the new mosque would not be built. They cited financial reasons. They had already spent around 500,000 on legal disputes and planning.
The DITIM – Türkisch Islamisches Zentrum remains a vital center. It offers religious services and community programs. It is a place of worship and a hub for cultural exchange.