Taksim Square Istanbul - (controversy over new mosque)

Taksim Square Istanbul - (controversy over new mosque)
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Turkish President Recep Erdogan inaugurated a new mosque at Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square on Friday May 28, 2021.

Worshippers had gathered to observe the Friday's prayers outside the new mosque.

The building with its 30-metre-high dome and two minarets was erected just next to the 11-meter-high Republic Monument, depicting the founder of the secular Republic of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

The opening took place on the eve of the anniversary of the Ottoman Empire's conquest of Istanbul, then the capital of Byzantine Empire Constantinople.

The enlarged capacity of the building will allow it to host up to 4,000 people for its regular prayers.

In 1994 and after becoming mayor of Istanbul, Erdogan pledged to build a mosque on Taksim square for the first time.