Turkish Islamic Centre

The masjid is beautiful and all but it is only for the service of the Turks. Not much ti do for the non-Turkish speakers.

This masjid is incredibly beautiful and rather spacious. There is carved woodwork, chandeliers and rich fabrics everywhere. The women's section is a balcony area above the main (men's) prayer space, so it is possible to hear, and see if one wishes the prayer leader or khateeb, and this can be done without being seen from below. The women's space is lushly carpeted and as nice as the space below, there is a box of hijabs and abayas/jilbabs in the space for those who do not usually wear hijab or want to cover more - a nice touch since non-Muslim women interested in Islam are not always prepared. Since almost everyone who goes here is Turkish, people did stare a bit at us, but were also friendly enough to invite us to a dinner the mosque was sponsoring in the community centre next door. I wished this mosque felt less like an ethnic club and more open but I also really liked it - particularly the feeling given by the women's space that there women are considered equal believers and worshippers. Maybe more non-Turks should start to attend.