About
Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and walking through the quiet residential streets of Yoyogi-Uehara, a sudden foreign breeze brushes your cheek. Standing there is a magnificent building adorned with the traditional beauty of Ottoman Turkey: the Tokyo Camii. The minaret soaring toward the blue sky acts like a bridge connecting heaven and earth, inviting visitors into another world.
The first prayer hall on this site was built in 1938. It began as the Tokyo Mosque, established by Tatars who fled the turmoil of the Russian Revolution and arrived in Japan, creating a place of worship for their faith. Over time, the aging building was reconstructed in 2000 with support from the Republic of Turkey, reborn as the present Tokyo Camii. For its construction, about 100 artisans came from Turkey, meticulously finishing every detail using traditional techniques. (tokyocamii.org)
Passing through the entrance, you are greeted by a breathtaking world of beauty. The walls, primarily in white and blue, are adorned with intricate arabesque patterns, and light streaming through stained glass casts colorful shadows on the floor. Looking up at the ceiling, six semi-domes surround the central large dome, arranged as if symbolizing the harmony of the universe. These decorations go beyond mere beauty, telling of the Islamic worldview and the depth of faith. (tokyocamii.org)
The carpet covering the prayer hall floor is a traditional Turkish handwoven piece, its soft texture soothing the heart from beneath your feet. On the walls, verses from the Quran and words of the Prophet Muhammad are depicted in beautiful calligraphy, evoking a quiet reverence in visitors. These decorations serve not only as visual beauty but also as a way to feel the teachings of faith in daily life. (tokyocamii.org)
Tokyo Camii functions not only as a place of worship but also as a center for cultural exchange. In the multipurpose hall on the first floor, exhibitions and lectures introducing Islamic culture and Turkish traditions are held regularly, offering visitors opportunities to deepen their understanding of different cultures. In the attached halal market, Turkish and Middle Eastern foods and crafts are lined up, allowing you to experience a foreign atmosphere with all your senses. (tokyocamii.org)
This place transcends religious boundaries and is open for anyone to visit freely. Except during prayer times, visitors are allowed to tour the interior and enjoy its beauty and tranquility. Especially on weekends, guided tours are offered, providing detailed explanations about Islamic teachings and the background of the architecture. (tokyocamii.org)
That such a place with such a foreign atmosphere exists in a corner of Tokyo symbolizes the city’s diversity and tolerance. Tokyo Camii, as a place where faith and culture, history and the future intersect, offers all visitors new perspectives and inspiration.