The masjid is the brainchild of a prominent Turkish businessman Ali
Katircioglu. The 74 year old gentleman was originally planning to build
the masjid in America but was convinced by a friend of his to bring the
project to South Africa. My dad had the opportunity of meeting Mr. Ali
on numerous occasions during the building phase of the masjid. Depsite
his excessive wealth and prominence, the business tycoon along with his
wife were residing in a caravan on the site of the masjid. He was
determined to see his dream project turn in to a reality. Arriving on
the masjid premises, I felt as though I was transported back in time
during the era of the great and majestic Ottoman empire. The masjid is a
replica of the Selimiye mosque in Edirne, Turkey and is world renowned
for its lavish architecture. The opening ceremony of the mosque occurred
a few months ago with President Jacob Zuma and the Gauteng premier,
Nomvula Mokonyane among the esteemed guests who attended the grand
event. The masjid is a visual feast for those who appreciate the world
of arts, design and architecture. Hand painted tiles grace the walls of
the building and the ceilings are intricately decorated with gold
painted Quraanic calligraphy. In the centre of the plaza there is an
ablution area where worshippers can wash themselves before prayer. The
design of the ablution area reminded me very much of the ablution area
in the Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab
Emirates. The mosque has the capacity of accommodating 6000 worshippers
and was built at a whopping cost of R210 million rand ( UNCLE ALI FUNDED
IT HIMSELF). Rumour has it that Uncle Ali grew up in a middle class
family in Turkey many decades ago. During a war, his family saved a
Jewish man from being killed. The man returned to the USA and then
decided to hand over all his assets and properties in Turkey to Uncle
Ali's family. Having recived this huge bounty from God Almighty Uncle
Ali decided to utilize the wealth in the path of God Almighty. The
masjid premises also boasts a SAMA school, a clinic, a shopping complex,
boarding facility as well as a Turkish restaurant. I was particularly
captivated by the stunning pieces of art inside the art gallery located
inside the masjid complex. The gallery had pictures of all the Islamic
artefacts located in the world famous Topkapi Museum situated in
Istanbul, Turkey. Pictures of the Prophet Muhammed (saw)'s sandles,
sword, hair and letters that he had written simply left me speechless.
Whilst in the gallery I had the opportunity of meeting a group of
Turkish teachers who reside in the Durban region of South Africa. They
were in the Johannesburg area for a national meeting to discuss the way
forward with regards to the Turkish schools in South Africa. They were a
friendly group of people and speaking to them made me feel as though I
was in Turkey and not in South Africa. The sheer opulence, grandeur and
stature of the building has proven once again that the Turks have always
and will always rule the world of architecture and design. A big thumbs
up and hats off to Mr. Ali for giving South Africa a piece of Turkey.
Through him, nations have now formed a bond and a connection. After
viewing the stunning pieces of art and reading about the majestic
Ottoman empire, Turkey is definitely one country that is on my list of
places to visit. To all my blog readers who hail from Turkey, I hope to
visit your part of the world soon Insha Allah!!
Directions to the masjid: The mosque is located on the corner of Old Pretoria Road and Le Roux
Avenue in Midrand, between Johannesburg and Pretoria, which can be
accessed from the Allandale turn-off on the N1. You can also catch the
Gautrain from Sandton or Pretoria to Midrand.
Take note that the
masjid is open to anyone and everyone. However, when visiting the masjid
care should be taken in terms of dress code. Modest and respectable
dress code is of utmost importance as the masjid is a place of worship.
Women should cover their hair, legs and arms.
For more info and guided tours you may contact the Nizamiye Turkish Masjid at:Tel: +27 (0)11 024 5857
PS: I have taken many pictures of the artworks inside the gallery and hence I have decided to split it over two to three posts as it will not all fit in one article.
