Amsterdam’s Fatih Mosque welcomes over 1,000 visitors during “Museum Night”

The Fatih Mosque in Amsterdam opened its doors to more than 1,000 non-Muslim visitors as part of the annual Museum Night event, offering guests an opportunity to learn about Islam, mosques, and Islamic art.

The program began with the call to prayer broadcast through the mosque’s speakers, followed by Qur’an recitation and religious hymns performed by local imams. Visitors were then introduced to the mosque’s architectural and symbolic features — including the minbar, mihrab, and decorative tiles — and learned about the core tenets and practices of Islam.

“Museum Night provides a great chance for many non-Muslims to visit a mosque for the first time,” said Kemal Gözütok, a religious official at Fatih Mosque. “Guests often ask about the structure and meaning of the mosque’s elements, and we explain the fundamentals of our faith. They also observe our night prayer and hear live recitations and hymns. The most beautiful part of the evening is when they approach us directly to ask their questions.”

According to Yaşar Taş, a board member of the Fatih Mosque Association, this was the ninth time the mosque participated in the event. He noted that many Dutch visitors left with a changed perception of Islam and Muslims.

“This year, more than a thousand people came to visit Fatih Mosque. Especially young and educated Dutch visitors are eager to learn about Islam. Our imams provide information both in English and Dutch,” Taş said.

Traditional Islamic Arts on Display

Throughout the evening, guests explored exhibits featuring traditional Turkish and Islamic arts, including ceramic tilework, marbling (ebru), calligraphy, and filigree (filografi). Many took part in workshops to create their own small art pieces.

Visitors also enjoyed samples of Turkish cuisine, adding a culinary dimension to the cultural experience.

From Church to Mosque

Originally built in 1920 as a church, the building was closed in the 1970s due to declining attendance. After being used for various purposes — including as a carpet warehouse and a music shop — it was purchased in 1980 by Turkish workers seeking a place of worship.

Now affiliated with the Netherlands Diyanet Foundation, the building serves the Muslim community under the name Fatih Mosque, continuing its legacy as a center of faith and culture in Amsterdam.