The construction of the Skopje Mosque, built by the T\u00fcrkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV) in the capital of North Macedonia, is nearing completion as final works continue on the project. Initiated in 2017, the mosque is located in the Tophane neighborhood within the borders of Cair Municipality in Skopje. Its architectural design was inspired by the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Istanbul\u2019s Edirnekap\u0131 district.
\nThe mosque\u2019s completion is eagerly anticipated by the local community. During holy Ramadan, the prayer hall will be open to worshippers for all daily prayers.
\nMustafa Bodur, Religious Affairs Counselor at the Turkish Embassy in Skopje, shared details about the construction process, the mosque\u2019s architectural features, and the upcoming opening.
\nAccording to Bodur, the foundation was laid in 2017 following agreements with relevant national institutions, but construction activities were temporarily paused due to the COVID19 pandemic. He stated that the mosque has now been prepared for worship. He also noted that the mosque was designed with two minarets, inspired by the architectural style of the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. The complex covers an area of 10,000 square meters, with minarets rising to 48 meters. The mosque can accommodate around 1,000 worshippers indoors and up to 3,200 people, including the outdoor areas. Additionally, the complex will include offices for the Islamic Religious Union of North Macedonia, a conference hall with a capacity of approximately 250 people, a 500-squaremeter commercial space, offices for the Religious Affairs Counselor, and a parking facility for 36 vehicles.<\/p>\n
The mosque is planned to be completed and made ready for a grand inauguration in 2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n Bodur explained that although the area is known as Tophane, they chose to name the mosque the \u201cSkopje Mosque,\u201d noting that local residents commonly refer to it as the Skopje Tophane Mosque.
\nHe said the call to prayer will begin with the first Tarawih prayer and that the mosque will host all daily prayers throughout Ramadan, along with Qur\u2019an recitations and sermons. Construction works in other parts of the complex will be paused during Ramadan and will resume after Eid prayers to complete the remaining sections.
\nBodur also highlighted the mosque\u2019s prominent location, mentioning that the International Balkan University (IBU), built with T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s support, is located nearby. The mosque is expected to be completed in 2026, after which a grand opening ceremony will be held.
\nSkopje Mufti Qenan Ismaili said the mosque represents the strong ties between T\u00fcrkiye and North Macedonia as well as the successful cooperation between their institutions. He added that the mosque will stand as a symbol of unity, peace, and harmony with imams serving from both T\u00fcrkiye and Skopje.<\/p>\n\n\t\t