Renovation of Hamidiye Mosque in Johannesburg
According to a written statement from TIKA, the Hamidiye Mosque in Johannesburg, built in the mid-19th century and granted cultural heritage status in 1980, was extensively renovated by TIKA upon the request of Jamiatul Ulama. This project aims to strengthen the historical and cultural ties between Turkey and the South African Muslim community.
The main ceiling of the mosque is decorated with the Fatiha and Fetih Surahs, while the women’s gallery is decorated with traditional Turkish motifs. The signature of Sultan Abdulhamid II was placed at the entrance of the mosque, which added a special value to its historical importance.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony was attended by South African Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Hendricks, Turkish Ambassador to Pretoria Ayşegül Kandaş, TIKA Pretoria Coordinator Abdulkadir Abukan, Secretary General of Jamiatul Ulama and Imam of Hamidiye Mosque Ebrahim Bham, Muslim MPs, diplomats and representatives of civil society organizations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Kandaş emphasized the importance of cooperation with the South African Muslim community and drew attention to TIKA’s projects in South Africa. He also stated that such projects would further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hendricks, thanked TIKA for the mosque’s decoration project and touched on his family’s historical ties to the mosque. Hendricks explained that his great-grandfather was one of the founding members of the mosque and that he organized a meeting in front of the mosque during the Tripoli War and raised money for the Ottoman Empire.
TIKA Pretoria Coordinator Abukan stated that TIKA will continue its work to protect the common heritage in South Africa and strengthen existing ties. He emphasized that such projects contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Jamiatul Ulama Secretary General and Hamidiye Mosque Imam Bham, speaking about the congratulatory and welcome letter presented by the mosque community to the Ottoman Consul Mehmed Ramzi Bey, stated that the mosque has been a common heritage of Turkish and South African Muslims since its establishment.
Historical Importance
At the opening, calligraphy artist Refik Çarıkçı introduced the project to the guests and did calligraphy works with them. Hamidiye Mosque also has historical importance as the place where Mahatma Gandhi started the civil disobedience movement with his passport burning action in 1908.
This project is considered an important step in strengthening the ties between Turkey and the South African Muslim community, protecting the common cultural heritage and advancing diplomatic relations. TIKA’s work of this kind aims to further deepen the friendship between the two countries.
