Hagia Sofia Mosque Ayasofya Camii

Beautiful mosque located just next to the river. Accessible via tram. When we came in September 2023, it was still under construction but we were allowed to pray inside. Toilet facilities provided for both men and women and they are of excellent standard. 💓

Amazed by this beautiful historical monument . At first glance this will amaze you with its grandeur .
It was a museum but changed into a mosque later. Must visit place.

## Comparing the Hagia Sophia Mosque (Istanbul) and Westermoskee (Amsterdam):

While both mosques share the name "Ayasofya Camii" and draw inspiration from Ottoman architecture, they have significant differences due to their history, size, and purpose. Here's a comparison:

**History:**

* **Hagia Sophia:** Originally built as a Christian church in the 6th century, it served as a cathedral for centuries before becoming a mosque in 1453. In 1931, it was converted into a museum before being reconverted into a mosque in 2020. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site with immense historical and cultural significance.
* **Westermoskee:** Built in 2008, it's a modern mosque designed to serve the growing Muslim community in Amsterdam. While not historically significant, it serves as an important community center and symbol of religious freedom.

**Size and Architecture:**

* **Hagia Sophia:** An awe-inspiring monument, it boasts a massive dome, towering columns, intricate mosaics, and calligraphic inscriptions. Its sheer scale and grandeur are unparalleled.
* **Westermoskee:** Smaller and more modern, it features Ottoman-inspired design elements like pointed arches, domes, and minarets. While beautiful, it lacks the historical grandeur of the Hagia Sophia.

**Purpose:**

* **Hagia Sophia:** Primarily a place of worship with limited access for tourists due to its historical significance and ongoing debates about its status.
* **Westermoskee:** Open to the public for prayers, cultural events, and guided tours, serving as a community center and fostering interfaith dialogue.

**Additional Differences:**

* **Location:** Hagia Sophia is situated in Istanbul's historic heart, while Westermoskee is located in a residential area of Amsterdam.
* **Religious Significance:** Hagia Sophia holds immense religious importance for Muslims as a historical site, while Westermoskee caters to the everyday needs of the local Muslim community.

**Overall:**

Both mosques offer unique experiences. Hagia Sophia is a breathtaking monument with historical significance, while Westermoskee offers a glimpse into contemporary Muslim life in Amsterdam. Choosing which one to visit depends on your interests and priorities.

**Additional Information:**

* **Hagia Sophia Mosque:** [https://www.ktb.gov.tr/TR-103582/ayasofya.html](https://www.ktb.gov.tr/TR-103582/ayasofya.html)
* **Westermoskee:** [https://mgwestermoskee.nl/](https://mgwestermoskee.nl/)

I hope this comparison helps you understand the differences between these two magnificent mosques!

Beautiful mosque. The interior is still under construction. We can still pray, take wudhu and there is a small cafe inside.

This Westermoskee 'Hagia Sofia' masjid is going to be a great landmark here, in shaa Allah.
Its timeline stated construction started 2013, but today (Sept 2023) ita interior seems not yet completed... probably due to insufficient fund?
Nevertheless, the hall can now be used for solah, and there is a dedicated space for women.
Meanwhile, looks like a donation campaign still on going. Interested parties to donate / waqaf please do so. Reckon, better still to come here and deal directly with its office.
والله أعلمُ

Great mosque 🕌
In the process of construction but seems very beautiful, wide and comfortable.

Visited yesterday to pray was 11 am but was closed :(

A very beautiful Turkish mosque by the canal. Stayed two days in `Hotel Not Hotel' (an OK place) next to the mosque. Nevertheless, the mosque and the area is beautiful with lots of halal food, parks and more mosque nearby

Masha'Allah, beautiful masjid from a city where I felt the vibes of ummah. I always love travelling to places where muslims are heavily populated and Amsterdam was one of them.

MashaAllah beautiful mosque. They are open for salah if you want to go inside and up the stairs. Part of it is under construction inside so you can’t see everything but it’s still possible to pray inside!

Beautiful mosque in Amsterdam. Currently inside under construction.

Purpose built masjid in a nice location. The imam's recitation was beautiful. Alhamdulillah, prayed Asr here on 11th Ramadan 1444.

Very beautiful mosque 😍😍

Great ambience and architecture. I have never seen before like this mosque.

Very accommodating Mosque.
Beautiful inside and out.

The historical haghia sophia/ ayasophia mosque.

A beautiful mosque in the centre of city.

❤❤❤

içerisi inşaat ama yinede namaz kılınıyor. çok güzel bir Camii.

Amsterdam’da binaların arasında minaresini görünce çok şaşırmıştım ve mutlu olmuştum. Amsterdam’ın mültikültürel yapısı inanılmaz