After years of protests, proposals, and lawsuits, Enschede gets a new mosque

After years of political disputes, a new mosque will be built in Enschede, replacing two outdated ones. The Turkish Cultural Center will accommodate 625 people, expandable to 1500 during holidays. Construction starts on December 18, aiming for completion within two years. The project faced multiple setbacks, including community concerns about traffic and protests from radical groups. In 2022, the city council approved the construction, and the Council of State later granted permission after traffic issues were addressed. The mosque is seen as a long-awaited project by the local Turkish community, spanning three generations.