Neeli Mosque and Islamic Centre

Neeli Mosque and Islamic Centre - Dome and Minaret

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The first of our Heritage Open Day features took us on a tour of the Neeli Mosque and Islamic Centre. This striking purpose-built new mosque with a modern, unique design has blue windows and dome, reflecting the name of the mosque ('Neeli' means 'blue'), and was based on the Blue Mosque in Turkey.

The Mosque originally opened in two terraced houses in the 1970s but after many years of community fund-raising (approx £1M was raised from the local community - no grants) the houses were demolished and the beautiful mosque was built. The elaborate blue coloured dome has a practical purpose, it is intended to echo voices - and it does. And through the dome can be seen the minaret. The interior walls are adorned with marble and the main halls have lush carpets with prayer 'mats' woven into the design.

The mosque spans three floors each with a main hall with a capacity of 250/300.

The main hall is where prayers take place and where on Friday's the Iman addresses the congregation.

Teaching includes the Koran, Islamic history and the role of Muslims in society and how they should live within society.

As part of our tour we were taught the five pillars of Islam by tour guide Soban Bashir, who also explained the five different prayer times throughout the day and the area known as the 'Mehrab', which is the most adorned area, that faces Mecca (south east in the UK). Islamic prayers are always recited in Arabic with Muslims being taught the prayers from a very young age.

As well as leading prayers and delivering sermons, the Iman acts as a guide to local community members issuing advice on many different matters.