“We were the first mosque in Germany allowed to call for prayer outside.” That’s what Ilyas Carpisan said. He is the chairman. This is the Eyüp Sultan Moschee. It is more than just a prayer room. It’s a vibrant community hub right here in Dortmund.
The Eyüp Sultan Moschee wasn’t always as grand as it is today. The Turkish Cultural Association of Dortmund and Surroundings founded it in 1976. They first met in Haydnstraße 66. In 1978 they moved into a former coop building. For years the rooms were simple prayer spaces. They were also meeting places. But in 2007 the association began an elaborate renovation. They had purchased the property.
Many discussions with the city of Dortmund were necessary. They wanted to re-purpose the building. The effort was worth it for the association. The Eyüp Sultan Moschee emerged. It had two magnificent prayer rooms. One is on the first floor for men. Another is on the second floor for women. They even had special permission. They were the first mosque in Germany to call for prayer outside.
About 200 adult members gladly follow this call. On this day prayer leader Ahmet Aldemir recites the Friday prayer. It is the most important one for Muslims. The believers pray on their knees. They use thick red-patterned carpets. Only socks are allowed on them.
Most members come to the Friday prayer. However not everyone attends all five daily prayers. Cengiz Tekin said that it’s not always possible. He is the former chairman. Many of us have to work after all he added.
Muslims here no longer have only Turkish roots. Proximity to work or home is key. This is why Muslims choose a mosque association. They want short distances.
Believers become members. They can leave their association at any time. This may be due to relocation. It could be disagreements. The Turkish Cultural Association does not need to worry about that. The Nordstadt is a stronghold. Most Muslims live here said Cengiz Tekin.
These Muslims no longer have only Turkish roots. We have Moroccans Albanians and Somalis. Bulgarians Ghanaians Macedonians and Muslims from Togo pray with us said Cengiz Tekin. They speak multilingual as Tekin calls it. It’s a mix of German Turkish English Arabic and French.
This mix of nations is also present at the daily breaking of the fast. Up to 200 guests gather in the mosque on the 30 days of Ramadan. The women of the association cook for them. They also meet in sewing groups. They gather for breakfast together.
Mosque associations offer more than just rooms for prayer. The Eyüp Sultan Moschee is not just about religion. There is a large room for training courses. Music evenings feature the saz group. There is a youth center. Rooms are available for all age groups to learn to read the Koran in Arabic script. The tea kitchen has become a general information hub.
Many Muslims come here for help with official matters. They need help filling out forms said Ilyas Carpisan. They also offer help for families or couples in conflict. Mosque associations offer more than just rooms for prayer said Cengiz Tekin. We also do social work. Unfortunately we don’t have a lobby yet. So we get little support.