In Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, the Mahmud Mosque was ceremoniously opened – the first purpose-built Muslim temple in this state. The initiative by the Ahmadiyya community, realized over more than seven years, has become a symbol of religious diversity in a region that is a stronghold of the AfD. Despite years of protests and numerous acts of hostility, high-ranking state representatives and representatives of various faiths attended the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of intercultural dialogue.

Groundbreaking Religious Investment

The first newly built mosque in Thuringia has been opened, featuring a characteristic dome and an eight-meter minaret in the Marbach district.

Decade of Disputes and Protests

The project, carried out by the Ahmadiyya community, lasted nearly ten years, with seven years spent on construction alone, delayed by demonstrations from opponents.

Support from Authorities and Churches

The ceremony was attended by Bodo Ramelow, and Premier Mario Voigt congratulated the community, highlighting official support for religious diversity.

After over seven years of construction work and nearly a decade since the plans were announced, the Mahmud Mosque was opened in Erfurt. This is a site of historical significance, being the first newly erected Muslim house of prayer in Thuringia and one of the few such structures in the eastern federal states of Germany (outside Berlin). The temple was funded by the Ahmadiyya community. The building features traditional architecture with a dome and a small, eight-meter minaret bearing the motto: „Love for all, hatred for none”. The process of creating the facility from the outset evoked extreme emotions and met with strong resistance from right-wing circles, especially supporters of the AfD. Construction was repeatedly disrupted by protests, and the religious community itself faced numerous acts of hostility (Anfeindungen) and threats. The mosque's location in the Marbach district became a flashpoint in the debate about cultural identity in eastern Germany. Despite these difficulties, the grand opening gathered a broad political and religious audience. Relations between Muslim communities and residents of the former GDR have remained tense since German reunification in 1990, due to the lower number of migrants in these regions compared to West Germany and stronger nationalist sentiments there. The opening was attended by Bodo Ramelow, Vice President of the Bundestag and former state premier, who described the day as a day of joy. The new premier of Thuringia, Mario Voigt of the CDU, sent congratulations via a video recording. Representatives of the Catholic and Protestant churches as well as the Jewish community also spoke, aiming to manifest solidarity with a religious minority. The organizers announced that an open day will be held on Sunday so that residents can personally acquaint themselves with the new religious building. „This is an important step for religious freedom in our country and a strong signal against hatred.” — Bodo Ramelow 8 metrów — is the height of the minaret at the new mosque in Erfurt

Mentioned People

  • Bodo Ramelow — Vice President of the Bundestag and former premier of Thuringia, present at the opening ceremony.
  • Mario Voigt — Premier of Thuringia from the CDU, who sent congratulations to the Muslim community.