Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has established a new mosque in Taksim Square, Istanbul. The controversial Taksim Square Mosque has been in the news for a very long time. After the inauguration of the mosque, some people have lauded Erdogan for his efforts.
Whereas the other group of people have simply declared it a political attempt to gain dominance in Turkey. It is the same mosque that attracted a wave of protests in 2013. Many thousands of people attended the ceremony and they offered their prayers with full emotions.
High Strength of Crowd Gathered to Offer the Prayers
Besides, the crowd strength was so high that the mosque got fully occupied and some people prayed in the square. The mosque is situated next to a public space which is assumed as a symbol of secularism for the Turkish republic.
It has got a monument for the republic and also for its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. In his address to the public gathering, Erdogan has called it a special day for Turkey. He said Taksim Mosque is now a prominent place for the people of Istanbul.
Erdogan Took a Jibe At Protestors
The Turkish President also offered prayers at the site. Moreover, he declared the mosque as a symbol of victory over protestors who opposed this mosque. The mosque has come into existence after the failed attempts of many governments to establish it since the 1950s.
It has now become a major place for Muslims to offer their prayers. Besides, it is a symbol of Turkey’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s secularism.
What is the most surprising thing is the coincidence of the inauguration date with the anniversary of anti-government protests in Turkey. On 28 May 2013, protests broke out in the nearby Gezi Park following the government construction plans.
President Erdogan had first introduced the idea of establishing a mosque in Taksim Square back in the 1990s. At that time, he was serving as a mayor in Istanbul. While addressing the gathering, Erdogan said this is a room for Muslims to worship.
Attacking the protestors and opponents, Erdogan said this mosque is a victory over forces who raised their voices against it. Worshippers gathered at the mosque praised Erdogan for his contribution to the Muslim community.
The mosque has got Ottoman features with a contemporary design. Aside from it, it could contain around 4,000 people.
