Caglayan inagurates Ottoman style complex in Johannesburg

 

Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan has inaugurated an Ottoman style mosque complex in the South African city of  Johannesburg. The complex, which will also serve as a cultural center according to officials, was inaugurated by Caglayan and South  Africa's President Jacob Zuma. Caglayan is in South Africa as part of an official visit. Zuma, South Africa's Gauteng province Premier  Nomvula Mokonyane, Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) Chairman Rizanur Meral, Turkish Exporters'  Assembly (TIM) Deputy Chairman Mustafa Cikrikcioglu and several Turkish businesspeople were also in attendance. "This is a social  complex that will serve as a meeting place for all religions and beliefs," Caglayan said. Caglayan spoke of Johannesburg saying:  "This is the heart of Africa. We don't feel kilometers away from our home here; we feel as if we are home. We feel the warmth of our  own culture." The complex, called the Nizamiye Kulliyesi, was commissioned by Ali Katircioglu, a 74-year old Turkish businessman. In  addition to a mosque, it will include a Turkish school, shopping facilities, a medical clinic, a restaurant and an academy of Islamic  sciences. The mosque inside the complex is a smaller replica of the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne. Its construction began three years  ago. The complex is named after Nizam al-Mulk, an 11th century statesman of the Great Seljuk Empire.