Five years. That is how long the construction of the Ümraniye Büyük Merkez Camii in İstanbul has been dragging on. Imagine the anticipation turning to frustration. This house of worship is supposed to be the largest mosque in Ümraniye.
The Ümraniye Büyük Merkez Camii project began in 2018. The foundation stone was laid with much fanfare. High-profile figures attended the ceremony including the President of Religious Affairs. He was accompanied by the then Mayor of Ümraniye.
The plan was ambitious. The Ümraniye Büyük Merkez Camii would rise on the site of an old car market. This prime location covers 18900 square meters. The mosque itself would occupy 3653 square meters. It would include exhibition spaces and conference halls. There would be space for libraries and foyers too.
Yet today the Ümraniye Büyük Merkez Camii remains unfinished. Its unfinished concrete skeleton stands as an eyesore. Construction has stalled leaving residents dismayed. They wonder why such a significant project is incomplete.
Locals voice their concerns. One resident living nearby says he thinks about its completion all the time. He questions the reasons for the delay. Another resident asks why a mosque is not being built in a Muslim country for so many years.
Some speculate about financial issues. They find it hard to believe. The president opens mosques everywhere they say. They assume funds would be available for this project. Others suggest something is happening behind the scenes.
Another local has lived in the neighborhood for ten years. He is worried about what is going on. Is it due to financial problems or irregularities? He says the sight of the unfinished Ümraniye Büyük Merkez Camii is upsetting. He hopes it will be completed soon.
Some residents find the incomplete structure disturbing. They worry about its deterioration. An Ümraniye resident said if you started it with such passion and excitement then you should have followed through with it. He added it should be finished quickly because at the moment it is rotting.
Despite the delays the qibla direction for the Ümraniye Büyük Merkez Camii is known. It faces 151.90 degrees from the compass north. This ensures prayers align correctly. It is a reminder of the purpose this building will eventually serve.
The Ümraniye Büyük Merkez Camii is meant to be a beacon for the community. For now it stands incomplete. Its fate hangs in the balance. The people of Ümraniye wait hoping for its completion. They dream of the day when its doors open. They hope the Ümraniye Büyük Merkez Camii becomes a vibrant center for faith and community.