The prayers of Islamic students in Yoyogi-Uehara
For the religion of Islam, the mosque is a very vital place. A camii refers to the place of worship where prayers are held 5 times a day. In Arabic, it means a place of gathering. Tokyo Camii was built for those Turkish people who had fled from the Soviet Union’s Kazan Province in 1938 to Japan. A mosque built in the Ottoman Turk style, it has incorporated contemporary elements, and the interior is filled with beautiful soft lighting due to the stained glass windows. It is greatly admired by the citizens and is also used for wedding ceremonies, plays and exhibitions.
Learn about Islamic culture
At the Turkish Culture Center, explanations are given to visitors on Islam, mosques and the culture center. Also, books and pamphlets regarding Islam and the mosque are sold along with religious items and souvenirs such as Turkish tiles. The mosque itself can also be toured but for any groups larger than 5 people, online reservations are necessary. Also on Saturdays and Sundays, a tour with a Japanese guide is available from 2:30 p.m. which requires prior reservation. The mosque can also be toured during prayers, but several rules must be observed. Women must wear long stockings, long skirts and long-sleeved shirts to prevent unnecessary exposure of skin. Also men are not allowed to enter wearing tank tops or short pants. During worship, visitors must quietly observe from the back and photography is forbidden. Also, the upper floor of the facility is used for women.