Beneath a dome adorned with golden calligraphy, does tranquility await? We are standing before the magnificent \u015eehitlik Mosque. This isn’t just Berlin’s most beautiful mosque. Many consider it one of the city’s most impressive buildings.
The \u015eehitlik Mosque is a testament to Ottoman architectural traditions. Its design draws inspiration from the 16th and 17th centuries. Construction took place between 1999 and 2005. The \u015eehitlik Mosque stands as an octagon. Pillars and supporting arches give it strength and grace. Sunlight filters through stained-glass windows. The white walls display abstract patterns. These patterns are in blue and red. They complement the golden calligraphy. Two narrow minarets flank the central dome. The dome reaches a height of 21.3 meters. The minarets soar to 37.1 meters.
The \u015eehitlik Mosque is more than just a place of worship. It includes a cultural center. There is also an information and meeting center. Completed in 2005, the four-story building accommodates 1500 worshippers.
Interestingly, the land beneath the \u015eehitlik Mosque has a unique history. King Wilhelm I gifted this plot to the Ottoman Empire. It was intended for use as a Muslim cemetery. The cemetery was inaugurated in the 1860s. This makes it the oldest of its kind in Germany. It’s located in front of the mosque. This burial ground is the final resting place for diplomats and other prominent figures. Ali Aziz Efendi rests here. He was the Ottoman Empire’s first permanent ambassador to Prussia.
Originally, a Moorish-style portal adorned the cemetery’s entrance. An obelisk commemorates Ali Aziz Efendi. It also honors other envoys. During World War I, fallen Turkish soldiers were buried here. The Ottoman Empire fought alongside Germany. Since then, the cemetery bears the name \u015eehitlik, meaning ‘martyrs’.
The \u015eehitlik Mosque took its name from this historic cemetery. It is open to all Berlin Muslims. People of Turkish, Arab, and Persian descent found their final resting place here. Islam prohibits the removal of graves. This eventually led to a shortage of space. Part of the cemetery in Gatow now provides additional space. The ceremonies still take place in Neukölln.
Classical Ottoman architecture inspires awe. The mosque’s white walls and the dome showcase the beauty of Islamic art. The \u015eehitlik Mosque suffered arson attacks in 2010. The perpetrator was caught and imprisoned.
Today, the \u015eehitlik Mosque stands as a symbol of cultural richness. It also represents religious diversity in Berlin. The \u015eehitlik Mosque welcomes everyone. Guided tours are available. They offer deeper insights into its architecture and history. As we leave, remember the \u015eehitlik Mosque. It is a bridge between cultures and a place of reflection.