Open Mosque Day
Muslims welcome visitors into mosques all over Germany during Open Mosque Day. October 3 is the date specially allocated to Open Mosque Day each year, being Unity Day in Germany. This is the anniversary of the reunification of Germany and therefore symbolises unity throughout Germany, including Muslim and German culture. With it comes a sense of solidarity and respect, which is what the event stands for.
A day of open mosques in Germany
The participating mosques, besides welcoming all walks of life to enter and look around, hold guided tours, lectures and exhibitions. There is even an opportunity to taste delicious food, with dishes and snacks from places like South Asia, the Balkans and Sub-Saharan Africa. Of course, Turkish snacks are also very well-loved in Germany and are likely to feature during Open Mosque Day.
It is a day for being open to different perspectives, to meet Muslim people and marvel at the beauty of the architecture and adornment of these magnificent structures, because a mosque is a place of both faith and culture. Visitors in various German cities will have the chance to ask questions about Islam and the daily lives of Muslims. It's an event for all ages and parents often bring their kids to visit the mosques.
Organised by the Central Council for Muslims in Germany, hundreds of mosques are open to the public during Open Mosque Day and the event typically attracts about 10.000 visitors nationwide.
About Open Mosque Day (Tag der offenen Moschee)
Germany celebrated its reunification on October 3, 1990, and seven years later, further cross-cultural landmarks were officially established: the first edition of Open Mosque Day - on October 3, 1997 - took place during the European Year Against Racism and Xenophobia.
Over 4 million Muslims live in Germany. Many were born and brought up in Germany while others are recent arrivals, but what they have in common is being non-Christians in a predominantly Christian country. This event is one that aims for understanding and acceptance, to make it known that Muslims are an integral part of German society today, and to help break down barriers such as Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia.
Notable mosques include
- Cologne Central Mosque in Cologne
- Sehitlik Mosque in Berlin
- Islamic Centre in Munich
- Islamic Centre in Hamburg
- Moschee Düsseldorf in Düsseldorf
- African Muslim Association in Frankfurt
Plan your visit to a mosque
On Open Mosque Day, there are hundreds of mosques to choose from all over Germany! Narrow down your options by checking out the list of participating mosques on the Open Mosque Day website (in German).