IZH-Prohibition - Schura regrets the closing of the Blue Mosque
The Schura - the Council of Islamic Communities in Hamburg - has lamented the closure of the Blue Mosque at the Alster ordered in the context of the IZH ban. The Imam-Ali-Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, had been a religious center for Shia Muslim women and men in Hamburg and Germany, said Schura Chairman Fatih Yildiz. "We would like to emphasize with particular force that it is of great importance for Hamburg Muslims that the Blue Mosque at the Alster is preserved for believers and made accessible."
Bundesinnenminister Nancy Faeser (SPD) had banned the mosque's operator, the extremist-labeled Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH), on a Wednesday as a "significant propaganda center for Iran in Europe." Nationwide, the police seized assets and facilities of the center and five of its affiliated organizations. As a result, the Blue Mosque is currently under the administration of the Federal Government.
Schura intends to participate in discussions on the further use of the building, which is protected as a monument, at the Outer Alster. In Hamburg, the discussion on the use of the monument-protected building at the Outer Alster is already ongoing. The governing parties SPD and Greens are advocating that the mosque continues to serve as a place of faith and culture and that the Exil-Iranians are also included in the planning.
Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD) had announced that at a given time, he would speak with the Federal Interior Ministry about possibilities for future use that are in keeping with the character of this building at this special location.
Yildiz also stated that the Schura intends to participate in the planning. "The Schura is already in political talks about this, which will be intensified in the coming time."
- Despite the closure of the Blue Mosque in Teheran-inspired Alster Mosque, due to the IZH ban in Hamburg, Germany, led by SPD's Nancy Faeser, the Schura highlights the significance for the local Muslims to preserve and reopen the mosque.
- The Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH), labeled as extremist, was responsible for operating the Blue Mosque, which was seized by the police nationwide as a part of the authorities' actions.
- The SDP and Greens in Hamburg advocates for continuing the Blue Mosque's role as a house of faith and culture, emphasizing the need for Exil-Iranians to be included in the planning process.
- The Schura, as the leading representation of Islamic communities in Hamburg, is building political alliances to participate in discussions about reopening the Blue Mosque, stressing the importance of inclusiveness and religious freedom for Muslims in Germany.
