Nizamiye Mosque — Attraction in Johannesburg Ward 110

If like me, you enjoy venturing out and seeing new places and things to visit (not just eating food but that always comes part and parcel to it), then this is another local place to go see.

During COVID we decided to start visiting more local spots ie. eateries and other areas/landmarks. Life is short and that's one thing COVID has taught us, we can all go at any time so why put off what you can do today. We visited the Nizamiye Mosque in Midrand.

The construction of the Masjid started in October 2009 and it was finished in 2012. The style and plan was adopted from the 16th-century Ottoman Selimiye Mosque, located in Edirne, Turkey, which was designed by a man named Mimar Sinan. All the ceramics are authentic Turkish ceramics that were imported and the rest of the decor was hand painted by calligraphy artists. The stained glass windows (all 232 of them) are absolutely stunning and bring such colour and light into the Mosque.

Pre covid it could easily facilitate up to 6000 people per service, but now it accommodates alot less due to social distancing.

The complex itself also has a school and a clinic, has a hall for weddings and other functions. They can host cooking classes, sewing classes and other events. A restaurant and bakery, and a few other smaller shops. The complex was also known for the multiple rose trees surrounding the entire complex and when in bloom made a gorgeous site to look at.

All people from all walks of life are welcome. Please note when in the Mosque you will be required to remove your shoes before entering, and ladies are expected to cover their heads with a scarf, so you can bring your own. Masks to be worn at all times. Entrance is free, you can always give a donation towards helping the various communities they assist, and you can also take pictures inside the Mosque (as long as no flash is used) as well as in the gallery. If you get to meet Mr Behzat (apologies if spelling is wrong) he gives you such a good background to the Mosque and how the various religions interwine as well as alot of interesting facts from Turkey and how the Mosque was designed.

It was such a good learning experience. So glad we finally ticked this off our list, and went to enjoy some Turkish food thereafter on the...

The Nizamiye Mosque in Johannesburg is the biggest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the world's greatest. Built in the Ottoman architectural style, it is not only an important site of worship for South African Muslims, but also a popular tourist destination.

The mosque was built in 2009 with funding from Turkish billionaire Ali Katırcıoğlu and finished in 2012. The memorial honors Turkish Muslim scholar Mahmud Sami Ramazanoğlu.

The mosque's architecture is inspired by the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, Turkey, a masterpiece by the famed Ottoman architect Sinan.

The Nizamiye Mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture, with a grand central dome, four rising minarets, and superb interior embellishments. The main dome, at 48 meters in height and 31 meters in circumference, is one of the world's largest mosque domes. The four minarets, each towering 55 meters tall, are visible from afar, indicating the mosque's presence in the landscape.

The mosque's interior has stunning tile work, Quranic calligraphy, handmade carpets, and spectacular chandeliers. More than just a place of worship, the Nizamiye Mosque is a cultural complex that includes a school, library, clinic, market, and park. It can hold up to...

How beautiful this place is. Like a gem in the middle of an industrial nightmare. It is just beautiful from afar and from inside. An exact replica...not sure...have not been to the actual masjid in Turkey but this was definitely built to the highest standard. From perfectly crafted copper handles on the wudhu taps with the name of Allah embossed, to the delicately painted arches and domes. The floor is of a beautiful and cool white marble throughout the courtyard and the masjid inside is carpeted to a very high standard. It has never been full the 3 times I have been here but such a tranquil retreat from the day to day demanding lives we live. Very welcoming to Muslims and non Muslims alike as my father was eagerly invited which is a Christian.

They have some food shops around the entrance with a book shop and some souvenirs and clothing.

Ample parking and it seems there is an attached madrassa.

Also they have a small museum with foto's and explanations of some beautiful artifacts (photos only) of items that belonged to the Prophet ﷺ and his companions رضي الله عنه.

Was lovely to take my son there to show him that South Africa have beautiful...