DITIB Central Mosque Cologne
Central mosque of DİTİB in Cologne-Ehrenfeld, inaugurated in 2018 in the presence of Erdoğan — with two 55-metre minarets and a grand domed hall.
since 2017
The DİTİB Central Mosque stands in Cologne-Ehrenfeld at the corner of Venloer Straße and Innere Kanalstraße, serving as the central mosque of the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DİTİB). Even during construction, the building's design and the height of the minarets sparked considerable public debate.
At a Glance
- Dome
- planned 35 m, shell structure 37 m
- Minarets
- two towers, each 55 metres tall
- Floor area
- approx. 16,500 m²
- Capacity
- prayer hall for approx. 1,200 worshippers
- Architect
- Paul Böhm (won competition in 2006)
- Inauguration
- 29 September 2018
The mosque was originally planned for May 2012, but around 2,500 disputed construction defects and a public dispute between the client DITIB and architect Paul Böhm led to such massive delays that the official opening didn't take place until September 2018 – more than six years behind schedule.
Things to do here
- Marvel at the grand glass dome and the two 55-metre minarets
- Explore the great domed prayer hall on a public guided tour
- Photograph Paul Böhm's sweeping modern architecture
- Drop by the cultural centre and soak up its open atmosphere
- Take in the contrast of dome and city quarter along the lively Venloer Straße
Size comparison
Height compared with other landmarks in Cologne.
Age comparison
Age compared with other places in Cologne.
Architecture
A large dome spans the five-storey building, flanked by two minarets. When the height of the towers became a point of contention, architect Böhm noted that several nearby office buildings were taller than the planned structures. Rather than the originally angular form, the minarets were built as round, twisted towers to appear lighter and more abstract.
Planning and Programme
The initial plans called for a building accommodating 2,000 worshippers; in 2008 the programme was reduced by roughly a third, primarily affecting the commercial areas and the prayer hall. Alongside the prayer spaces, the building now includes a library, training and seminar rooms, retail spaces, and an underground car park.
Construction and Delays
Demolition of the existing buildings began in May 2009, with the foundation stone laid in November and the topping-out ceremony in February 2011. The planned opening in May 2012 was repeatedly pushed back: in October 2011, DİTİB terminated its contract with Böhm's office, alleging around 2,500 construction defects — a claim the architect disputed. The opening date shifted first to 2013, then to 2017; in October 2015 the damp dome was scaffolded for waterproofing works.
Opening and Use
The congregation first used the grand domed hall in June 2017. The official inauguration in September 2018 took place in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Diyanet President Ali Erbaş. DİTİB has maintained its headquarters at this Cologne-Ehrenfeld site since 1984. According to the operators, the building is conceived not solely as a mosque but also as a cultural centre offering religious and social programmes; guided tours for the public are also available.
Timeline
- 2006Paul Böhm wins the architectural competition for the new mosque
- 28. August 2008Cologne city council approves the zoning plan amendment
- 7. November 2008City of Cologne grants DITIB the building permit
- 7. November 2009Foundation stone laid in a ceremony with around 2,000 guests
- 2. Februar 2011Topping-out ceremony after completion of dome and minaret shell structures
- Oktober 2011DITIB terminates its cooperation with architect Paul Böhm
- 9. Juni 2017Dome hall used for prayer for the first time during Ramadan
- 29. September 2018Official inauguration in the presence of President Erdoğan
Gallery
Map
Blue dots: other places nearby — tap to explore.
Address
Venloer Str. 160
50823 Köln
Hours
Mo: 10:00–19:00
Di: 10:00–19:00
Mi: 10:00–21:00
Do: 10:00–19:00
Fr: 09:00–22:00
Sa: 09:00–22:00
So: 12:00–18:00
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Sources & links
- Official website
- Official Instagram (@zentralmoschee)
- Official website (retrieved 2026-07-17)
- Wikidata (retrieved 2026-06-26)
- Wikipedia (retrieved 2026-06-26)
Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-06-26
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