A majority in Copenhagen Council have already given the go ahead for a mosque in Nørrebro, and are soon expected to give the go ahead for Denmark’s first minaret.

The 20-metre minaret will not, however, be used for the traditional call to prayer“We mustn’t forget that we live in Denmark. Calls to prayer will only be from within the mosque and not from the minaret. That would cause some problems. And that is something we do not want to do,” says Danish Islamic Council Member Kodes Hamdi.

In all, the mosque and adjoining culture centre will accommodate 700-900 people. The complex will also include restaurant and it is hoped that the centre will attract both Muslims and non-Muslims.

“This is not just a centre for Muslims who practice their religion. Of course we look forward to that, but we also hope that it will be a cultural and social meeting place where everyone is welcome,” he says.

The mosque has been designed by the Aarhus architect Metin Aydin who says the construction is a synthesis between Nordic minimalism and the traditional white Middle Eastern style.

Construction began three weeks ago and is expected to be finished and in use early in 2013.

FACEBOOK – Follow Politiken’s News in English