Ground broken for controversial Kadıköy mosque project amid criticism

Construction has begun on a controversial mosque and underground parking project at Kadıköy Rıhtım, a prime waterfront area in Istanbul. The project, spearheaded by the Kadıköy Rıhtım Mosque Construction and Preservation Association, headed by former AKP official Erol Kaya, aims to create a significant "civilization work" that goes beyond a mere place of worship.

“

Today, we say 'Bismillah' to break ground for the Kadıköy Rıhtım Mosque, the result of long-standing efforts. We are officially starting the construction process for a mosque belonging to the Directorate of Religious Affairs, along with social and cultural facilities, a living space.

The planned complex will feature a mosque with a capacity for 7,000 worshippers, alongside extensive social and cultural facilities. These include art workshops, a library, conference halls, a soup kitchen, a condolence house, and a Quran course for young children. The design reportedly draws from traditional Ottoman architecture, with plans for four minarets and multiple balconies. An integrated parking facility, capable of holding 750 cars indoors and 300 outdoors, is also a key component, intended to serve as a "living space" and "civilization area."

“

We will build a complex not just as a place of worship, a place to pray, but also as a social and cultural facility; a civilization work that we will build together with Istanbul, with Kadıköy, with all our nation.

However, the project faces strong opposition from the TMMOB Chamber of Architects Istanbul Metropolitan Branch. They have taken the project to court, arguing that the decision to approve it violates conservation principles and disregards previous expert reports. The chamber contends that the area is already adequately served by existing mosques and that the new construction, particularly the heavy reinforced concrete structure on reclaimed land, poses significant risks and will exacerbate traffic congestion.

“

The decision of the Istanbul Number V Regional Directorate of Cultural Assets Protection, which approved the project, is contrary to the principles of conservation, and previous expert reports were ignored.

Kadıköy Mayor Mesut Kösedağı acknowledged the legal and technical dimensions of the project, referencing an appeal filed with the Council of State in January. The debate highlights a tension between development initiatives, often framed as cultural or religious necessities by proponents, and concerns over urban planning, environmental safety, and the preservation of public spaces.

“

The worship needs of the region are already met by the existing mosques nearby, and a new mosque is not a necessary need.