The Mosque of West Amsterdam | Al Jazeera World

For the past 16 years, Huseyin Gunduz has dreamt of building a mosque in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam.
Having had to perform congregational prayers in factories, community centres and people's basements; he has spent years campaigning and fundraising to build a place of worship and make his dream a reality.
In The Mosque of West Amsterdam, we follow Huseyin as work finally nears completion on the Western Mosque.
"The thought of the outcome and success leaves me speechless," he says. "I believe we'll be rewarded in the afterlife for our contribution and efforts."
Known locally as Westermoskee, the structure - modeled on Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia - is in urgent need of funds to be completed.
From its conception, in the early 1990s, to the present day - construction has been fraught with controversy, as well as political and financial difficulties.
Planning problems, corruption scandals, local opposition and anti-Islamic prejudice have plagued the project, halting development for nearly a decade.
The extreme-right leader Geert Wilders, whose Freedom Party is riding high in the opinion polls, has also been an outspoken critic, leading to growing local opposition.
This film looks at how Huseyin tries to raise the capital necessary for development while trying to bridge relations with residents who are growing increasingly weary of the mosque.
- Subscribe to our channel: bit.ly/AJSubscribe
- Follow us on Twitter: / ajenglish
- Find us on Facebook: / aljazeera
- Check out our website: www.aljazeera.com/

[@mindayamangondaya6409]

Alhamdulillah. We were there, hope to be back and pray in this masjid.

[@DanielCruz-eq7jt]

It's a fantastic building, house of GOD, wish some days I will visit this beautiful mosque love from the Philippines

[@sarahhopeful6683]

InchaAllah Ameen

[@waylonjosiah5824]

A trick: watch movies at flixzone. Been using them for watching loads of movies lately.

[@kyriedarwin3703]

@Waylon Josiah definitely, I've been using flixzone} for months myself =)

[@georgerhys5434]

@Waylon Josiah yup, I have been watching on Flixzone} for months myself :D

[@yaseenkhan6587]

@@sarahhopeful6683 insha'Allah

[@ebrimadem5287]

"they have struggle alot but the result is fantastic" lovely comments

[@therealhero591]

masha allah. assalaamu alaikum wrwb to all Momins. Allah saare musalmaano ku Namaz aur Quran padne ki toufiq de Ameen summa ameen

[@danielharrison1065]

Beautiful mosque ❤️ Beautiful Architecture ❤️ Beautiful Religion

[@danielharrison1065]

@Hynrik never

[@MohdZakir-xp8im]

Salute to Husain for his will power ,he worked hard to collect funds and able to finish the mosque

[@shanparis7470]

Mohd. Zakir exactly ❤️

[@NuzhatNigar]

Not finish brother you should say complete 🤗

[@thebittertruth4588]

Jazak Allah

[@mohammedrehman4578]

Aslamo Alakam, beautiful Masjad Insah Allah we shall pray at this place one day. Love from USA 🇺🇸 Connecticut.

[@movedtonathansstuffs7047]

Salam from indonesia the mosque are good Subhanallah

[@fazalkarim285]

I love my turkish brothers from Pakistan

[@rogeliodelrosario5936]

Hagiah Sophia in Istanbul reverts to a mosque a second time now. I salute those who are instrumental in the creation of this Western Mosque and the Dutch people who understand and accept the project. So many things happen in the world could discourage us in our attempts to build a world where we could accept each other. I have a high regard for the people of Armsterdam.

[@sulimounsulimoun699]

Turkish community is very generous community, May Allah reward all

[@huseeynabdulahi249]

@@jamesbo8521 Evolution and Atheism it self is nonsence

[@nomanrahman9256]

That's quite right....

[@NN-er8wg]

I'm Japanese living in Amsterdam I'll take a look at the mosque! Well done, great job

[@scottgordon8902]

Incredible project.. great fortitude by this man and the group to keep this project alive, moving, and hopefully completed by 2020 😁

[@proudcitizen4883]

I love who ever is be there for Allah's House's ..Masha Allah

[@myoutubecom-gg7sb]

Masha Allah may Allah swt guide us all Amin

[@sarahhopeful6683]

Great Job from all those involved in these beautiful project. May the Most High reward them for their dedication. Alhamdou li Allah!

[@pecivilwaterandenvior8318]

Great work ,Huseyin Gunduz

[@abdelstoney5848]

we dont need banks .we have allah❤🇲🇦

[@oldbordergeek]

then ask him to loan you money for a house LMAO

[@dingear5271]

I will make dua for you to finish this House of Allah (Swt) soon. You will be rewarded here and hereafter life

[@tahamamaluba4522]

I FROM COTABATO CITY, MAGUINDANAO, MINDANAO PHILIPPINES , I LIKE THE MOSQUE IN AMSTERDAM

[@sloeberdoet]

It is strange to see more veiled women in the west than in the countries of origin ( they often come from more remote/poorer areas from the country of origin). If you go to the big cities you see other things happen.:)

[@watchkittyace8951]

Subhan Allah

[@syedmaricar9946]

Bless you and your team

[@mohamedwarsameyusuf374]

Mashallah proud of my muslim brothers and sister turkey in holand

[@talijah007]

The Turkish are one of the most tolerant and amicable Muslims. ... Ik ben heel blij mee over hun prestatie...

[@catsandotherfunnyanimals3305]

ahahah!!!

[@r.a.h7682]

jij bent kanker gek ze zijn juist het ergst

[@truecomment3650]

May Allah make it easy the remaining amin. The mosque and Islam is needed in the world today more than ever before.

[@ShakeelAhmed-vq2qu]

One should respect Dutch people and the Dutch law also ........... Freedom for all religions .... May Allah grant Dutch country highest Success 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Amailn]

Islam is peace and the only true religion

[@tanzanian8847]

may Allah reward you all involved in this project, Jannah

[@paijopayahpaijo6344]

One day I go there inshaAllah...

[@mayugear3113]

great job

[@shaenaazbalhorn8941]

Fascinating ! Beautiful to watch . SUBHANALLAH !

[@mehmetyok8434]

30:47 She is wrong about one thing. If she visited Turkey, she would see there are alot of churches in Turkey. And i don't mind if more is built. Everyone must be free to practise their religions.

[@Heo_Ashrafenko]

in egypt as well we have like 20 million christians and amazingly built churches and in fact they have just authorized more to be built. so much lies being shoved down the western's worl. so sad

[@peter-johndejong9880]

Mehmet Yok there are only 34 churches in turkey and in amsterdam alone more than 70 mosques

[@LGN-xj9qf]

For what to compare and having so many if there is no one come to worship.

[@brazilianman92]

Peter-john De Jong EU nations have a stronger economy. So it's expected for there to be more. Turkey by itself having that much is impressive. Context is key in everything.

[@u.2b215]

@Peter-john De Jong There are more than 34 churches in Istanbul alone so you might want to check your numbers but regardless of the number what's your point? The mosques in Amsterdam are all in use with many praying there. If you want to build a church in Turkey or Morocco the question should not be whether it will be built but who would pray in it? The old lady made a statement out of ignorance.

[@gmkhushk3947]

Excellent job done, stay blessed

[@balintfriends6702]

Well done, I am pleased that the board chose a design with true architectural quality that uses brickwork so it fits into its surroundings.

[@yaseenkhan6587]

Mr. Hussain you are doing great work, may Allah bless you, my English is not so good, but I say you are really Hero, from Bashir Zaman, Lahore Race Club, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

[@norazaahmad984]

In malaysia we have thousands of convent schools n nuns wear hijabs. Students from all religions study there- in diversity, theres unity

[@ffavengersayan2334]

Mashallah

[@TSODWPfadlirullah]

Love from brothers in Netherland Indie

[@alexeinavalny4089]

We Are Indonesia bruh!!! no longer Netherland Indie

[@tablighjb1632]

May Allah grant the Jannah who make this mosque happend...

[@alex119251]

I think as a Muslim, we should include the wider non Muslim society into such process and welcome them in mosques to curb Islamophobia in general.

[@oghuzkhan5117]

Turkish mosqeu are doing this. They have several days an year where they hold, food and meetings fastivals. Where you can talk with neighbours and can buy street food which is been sold on the street. And the mosqeu is always open 24/7 for everyone who wants to visit. Its not closed area. Its for all public.

[@desilifeinamerica2880]

Ottoman Empire you mean turkish mosques in Turkey or all over the world or in the is?

[@oghuzkhan5117]

Sam M. Every Turkish mosque in the world.

[@desilifeinamerica2880]

Ottoman Empire so every turkish mosque in the US is open 24/7?

[@MichElle-sd6gj]

Christians are strictly forbidden from entering any pagan place of worship. We worship Jesus Christ, God of gods alone. All else is man-made & paganism like 🌙 moon kissing mohammadanism

[@sutomoagus6329]

Ma syaa Alloh

[@jjnashusman3546]

Masha Allah.... From Sultan kudarat, Philippines

[@wearewithyou7866]

Wow. Wonderful amazing

[@bennajarmama8554]

MaShaAllah tabarakaAllah, Islam spread in a peaceful way Alhamdulillah

[@YiannisPho]

It is interesting that this mosque is compared in size and shape with Aya Sophia in Istanbul. The latter was of course a Christian church until Constantinople was captured by the Turks and the church was converted into a mosque. Are there plans for such a change in Amsterdam?

[@ionut988]

Good question!

[@montumondal9625]

Very beautiful

[@truecomment3650]

Masha Allah. May Allah make it easy for you amin.

[@ZahidHussain-ih3nn]

MASHA'ALLAH. MASHA'ALLAH.

[@dezytm6992]

MasyaAllah Allahu Akbar Islam Live الله اكبر...لااله الاالله محمد ارثولله...ولله اكبر والله الحمد...ام بعد...امن يا رباالمن...امن 1.000.000 ام

[@shuaybm568]

It's ironic that people in the comments sections want to see more Churches being built in Muslim majority countries when the sad reality is the Churches in Europe can hardly keep their doors open. If you guys seem so sincere about Churches why are they closing in Europe? Maybe you should stop going to the pubs/clubs on a Friday night and attend your local Churches instead?

[@samoracardoso3778]

True..!!

[@RAHMATHALIAr]

I wish half of the project cost spent on Dawah program and rest on a modest cultural centre with mosque embedded into the architecture. As far as design principles concerns, Form must follow functionality of the Architecture, otherwise building starts looking like an imposter or an intruder. Locals and neighbours must be involved in the process of decision making. It’s their right as per Islamic teaching. Availability of funds does not relieve us from this basic obligation.And this applies to any part of the world.

[@idrischedin8265]

GOD BLESSED..🤲🤲🤲👍

[@abdulsattarqureshi6728]

Ya Allah Help Everyone’s Ameen Sumah Ameen

[@jamesmcgaiver4872]

Sad not to see Moroccans contributing to this mosque despite the important Moroccan community in Holland.sad.

[@elzouine]

I guess you're not aware of the fact that we got mosques of our own to build and to maintain.

[@saraqostahterra4548]

@@elzouine Yes, but a mosque is a mosque. Not an ethnic hub.

[@hamsehazard5662]

@@elzouine wtf are you guys like that in Europe?

[@kusumawardhana4253]

We have churches in Indonesia, and those churches came as the result of the Dutch spreading Christianity here during colonization, the Dutch lady certainly missed a class in history ..

[@brianvandorp25]

I love that one guy, we have no idea where the money is coming from! Hahaha yeah right!

[@listenmullahsb]

As long as its not Saudi Wahabi money which would turn this "Mosque" into a hotbead of Al-Qaida activity, its good that the Turks are leading this project. Locals need to have more kids or its all over.

[@sloeberdoet]

@@listenmullahsb How can you say that while Mother Earth is already suffering under this overpopulations everywhere.

[@stevedavis3775]

greet program

[@Saricelina]

No hate!, are all of the workers Dutchmen? in the video, thanks you

[@alwioemaras3521]

According to Islamic regulations, mosques must always be open, but this may differ from local regulations in the Netherlands

[@gazali2721]

MASHALLAH

[@jimmy00007]

Subhaanalah

[@thomasdsouza4993]

*TO BUILD MOSQUE IS SAWAB.THERE MAY BE MORE THAN WILLING PEOPLE / COUNTRIES* *LIKE QATAR TO HELP / GUIDE TO BUILD MOSQUE EARLY/ FAST.* *AS THEY HELP MANY COUNTRIES TO BUILD* *MOSQUES. THIS WILL HELP PEOPLE TO GET HEAVEN TO THE PEOPLE CONNECTED WITH IT.*

[@08halit]

the gov in turkey is building churches in turkey and also refurbishing the old ones with money from goverment..ig norant ppl in action but i dont blaim them,,its ignorance...if it was a synagog i bet the gov of holland would built it and finance it by means of goverment.

[@saraqostahterra4548]

08halit "I dont blame them" (for their ignorance) Such ignorance is already blameful

[@08halit]

UVUVWEVWEVWE ONYETENYEVWE UGWEMUBWEM OSAS the blame is that they let them be brainwashed by hatpreachers and media..

[@saraqostahterra4548]

08halit Yes... but also that they give commentary without learning about what theyre giveing commentary about

[@skm8708]

Alhamdulillah

[@Salieri21]

They should have built a smaller mosque with having businesses around it to pay for the monthly expenses of maintenance!

[@auckie]

They love everything Turkey - why did they run away from Turkey?

[@Mrfiufaufou]

Cancer*

[@ChickenNugget42069]

Scot Foley because they got the opportunity 40/50 years ago to work/live in a rich country that has great welfare, education etc.

[@saraqostahterra4548]

They didnt run away. The Netherlands invited young Turkish men to work in their country, just like Belgians did with Moroccans, because they needed more workers...

[@08halit]

Scot Foley they didnt run from turkey but was invited to europe for labor..manpower.

[@MichElle-sd6gj]

😅🤣😂😅🤣😂😅🤣😂😅🤣😂😅😂🤣😅😂🤣

[@adamsmith586]

Great work Mashallah ❤

[@ratenawatikarim6755]

Subhanallah masaallah i wish i was there in ansterdam.

[@jjnashusman3546]

Kullo muslimun Al iqwwa.... Al hadith... From Sultan kudarat, Philippines

[@fairozsalleh7367]

Allah is great

[@johnlewis6585]

EXCELLENT!

[@abuhammad]

Any updates about the Masjid?

[@travelvlogsuhislam1763]

Appeal for mosques in countries neighbouring m.east

[@reshu7860]

In which city is that mosque..I will go there

[@ovaisahmad4443]

Mashaallah mashaallah ovais ahmad greet you from india

[@tahamamaluba4522]

ALHAMDULLILAH THERE S BIG MOSQUE IN AMSTERDAM

[@sadjirinasiddin3349]

How much?

[@ismanismun5736]

I ❤ Holland Peoples. 🇲🇨

[@narendraputra1051]

@@theresecoco1887 people of 🇮🇩are ex colony of the Dutch

[@Vladimir.Albutin]

@@theresecoco1887 what wrong with that

[@kamolergashev2346]

Masallah abi

[@viccissick3080]

No one is gonna say, why not open hospitals and schools in poor Muslim countries 😂. God does not need so much money, he is the one who gives.

[@vikramrazdan5680]

The local residents in the video are mistaken that the Mosque is less of a disturbance as compared to a Park. They will curse their luck when the early morning azaan at 4:00am for Fajr becomes disturbing; and the property prices plummet by 50%

[@Alishan_Usmani]

Here comes a radical hindu... Not enough disturbing than a temple in u.a.e

[@faisalkabeerawan2690]

MA SHA ALLAH MA SHA ALLAH MA SHA ALLAH

[@kusumawardhana4253]

Dutch Old Lady : " We don't like it when the moroccan and turks came .. when they first came, they acted like they owned the place .." Well, that is nothing compared to when the Dutch came to the now Indonesia in 1600's ..

[@arunasalammahadevan40]

anything that goes up will come down.

[@ionut988]

7:14 "Our church is closing! 😅😅😅" 20:22 "We're quite happy with the mosque because a small park would have been more of a disturbance." 33:05 His statement was clear: "Hearing the call to prayer in Europe makes you feel emotional. (...) You feel at home." 38:42 "The Dutch must accept the fact we're not the immigrant workers of the past." Yeah, right!... "We're part of the place. The Dutch NEED to accept this." Oh, really!?... 40:43" Hopefully, the Aya Sofya [Hagia Sophia] Mosque will rise." So irresponsible! Speechless!

[@masroofali4297]

Mashallha

[@fairozsalleh7367]

Ya Allah help them

[@fieldsofgreen8857]

Do they pay the council ground rent?

[@amolkumarkushwaha854]

I still can't understand the real reason behind mosque construction in non Muslim countries........

[@ariklewiscanadabanker2325]

studi kitab al quran kamā akhrajaka rabbuka mim baitika bil-ḥaqqi wa inna farīqam minal-mu`minīna lakārihụnSebagaimana Tuhanmu menyuruhmu pergi dari rumahmu dengan kebenaran, meskipun sesungguhnya sebagian dari orang-orang yang beriman itu tidak menyukainya,

[@danielharrison1065]

ALHUMDULILLAH MUSLIM ☝️

[@fairozsalleh7367]

I wish i can help in building the mesjid

[@shaakirabdi9422]

Why qatar didn’t support to finish the mosque?

[@hahahaspier5240]

Dutch goverment doesn’t allow it

[@hahahaspier5240]

They are afraid of foreign influences

[@roaringking1468]

Allah-O-Akbar 💪

[@1pankho]

There are many churches in karachi Pakistan and I see people visit them

[@catsandotherfunnyanimals3305]

shut up. crhistians and hinduists are 2nd class citizens in Pakistan everybody knows that

[@bangbrews9950]

Negara2 penjajah mulai berhijrah..SUBHANALLAH

[@kayan4715]

Kau mendoakan keberantakan?.. Supir lo

[@alexeinavalny4089]

Apasih ngak jelas pikir dulu sebelum komen

[@Vladimir.Albutin]

@@alexeinavalny4089 emang kenyataanya negara penjajah kan. Tapi salah juga kalau membenci mereka sekarang

[@BinuJasim]

Zidane at 1:05

[@ismihaidar2181]

Yes..your Sharp eye..

[@ayb1918]

:)

[@IsaacRizard]

It's not necessary for a mosque to have a dome and minaret.

[@vicachcoup]

nor for churches to have spires

[@nexu6517]

Isaac Rizard Yes, it is not necessary for it. It all comes down to architecture influenced from culture. You have to admit however, it is a beautiful sight and a glorification of the mosque. The Hagia Sophia of Istanbul was an Orthodox chruch as well.

[@Constellation-fg5tb]

You need to read and educate yourself to become more cultured and understand. You have a long way to go.

[@hannanpakthini7221]

@@Constellation-fg5tb .... Instead of that u can say to assimilate. Your texts are offensive & der

[@travelvlogsuhislam1763]

Appeal for masjids in neighbouring countries to m.east