Once upon a time, in Berlin, stood a mosque that echoed tales of resilience. This is the story of the Wilmersdorfer Moschee also known as Berliner Moschee. It is Germany’s oldest still-standing mosque.
Imagine Berlin in the 1920s. The Ahmadiyya Andschuman Isha’at-i-Islam Lahore sought to build a house of worship. They chose Wilmersdorf. The Wilmersdorfer Moschee’s foundation was laid in 1924. It opened its doors on March 23, 1928.
The mosque’s design mirrors the Mughal architecture of the Taj Mahal. Architect K. A. Hermann brought this vision to life. It boasts two minarets reaching 32 meters high. A 26-meter dome sits gracefully above. Its diameter spans 10 meters. Inside, 400 worshippers can gather.
Interestingly, an older mosque existed in Wünsdorf. Built in 1915, it served Muslim prisoners of war. Sadly, it fell into disrepair and was torn down. The Wilmersdorfer Moschee remains as a testament to time.
Financing came solely from donations. The AAIIL ensured its construction. It welcomed Muslims from all backgrounds. This was during a time of rivalry among Berlin’s Islamic groups.
Hugo Marcus, a Jewish convert to Islam, became its manager in 1925. He also remained part of the Jewish community. In 1934, the first German couple who converted to Islam celebrated their marriage here. People like Leopold Weiss and Elsa Schiemann-Specht embraced Islam within its walls.
However, shadows fell with the rise of the Nazis. The mosque became a stage for antisemitic speeches by Mohammed Amin al-Husseini. Yet, the community secretly helped Hugo Marcus escape to Switzerland. Mohamed Helmy, an Egyptian doctor, also rescued a Jewish family.
World War II left scars. German soldiers used its minarets as a post. The Red Army retaliated. The minarets crumbled, and the dome suffered a direct hit.
Post-war, the Wilmersdorfer Moschee was repaired with Allied help. Donations poured in from AAIIL members worldwide. By August 1945, 200 Muslims gathered for prayers. It was officially reopened on June 24, 1952.
In 1993, it gained protected status. The main building was restored in 1996. The minarets were rebuilt by 2001.
The Wilmersdorfer Moschee stands as a symbol of faith. It is a testament to community and perseverance. It also is a reminder of a complex history. Today, the Wilmersdorfer Moschee continues to welcome visitors. It hosts regular Friday prayers and opens its doors for special events. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and remember its past.