Mosque in Gdańsk – what does it look like and why is it worth seeing?

A minaret rising above the rooftops of Gdańsk? This is not a scene from an exotic film, but a reality in the VII Dwór district of Gdańsk.

The first brick mosque in Poland conceals not only religious rituals, but also a history full of solidarity, dialogue and spiritual diversity. What makes this oriental temple attract not only the faithful, but also tourists curious about the world?

1. The surprising Gdańsk mosque – an oriental temple in the heart of the Tri-City

2. A building made of bricks, prayers and dreams - the history of the mosque in Gdańsk

3. A Minaret Without a Voice and Calligraphy with a Soul – What Does a Mosque Look Like Inside?

4. Gdańsk Muslims are not only Tatars

5. Ramadan, Bajram and community spirit – what happens in the mosque

The surprising Gdańsk mosque – an oriental temple in the heart of the Tri-City

As you walk through the VII Dwór district in Gdańsk, you might be surprised to see a slender minaret rising above the rooftops. This is not a mistake or a Middle Eastern movie set.

This is the Gdańsk mosque , an oriental gem on the Tri-City map and the first brick mosque in Poland . You will find it at 17A Abrahama Street, where it has been serving the local Muslim community for over three decades.

This inconspicuous building from the outside is a true centre of spiritual and cultural life for the Muslim Religious Community in Gdańsk , which has been operating here continuously since 1959.

Although you can't hear the muezzin's call from there, the mosque in Gdańsk lives to the rhythm of five daily prayers, Friday worshippers' meetings, and cultural and educational events. It is also a place where Gdańsk's Muslims - both Tatars, immigrants, and converts - meet for joint prayer, conversation, and getting to know each other.

In times when it is easy to close yourself off in your own beliefs, the mosque of the Gdańsk commune invites you to openness. You can visit it without a problem on the weekend, you just need to make an appointment in advance. And if you come across the Gdańsk Friday prayer , you can be sure that you will get to know Gdańsk from a slightly different, less known, but extremely important side.

Although many people – including the official websites of the city office – indicate that the mosque in Gdańsk is located in Oliwa , this is not entirely true. The temple is located at 17A Abrahama Street, which belongs to the VII Dwór district – a small but charming part of Gdańsk, often unfairly omitted in city narratives. It is here, and not in Oliwa, that the first brick mosque in Poland is located. Moreover, this is not the only case when the names of districts are lost in everyday simplification – how many Gdańsk residents still remember such beautiful names as Strzyża , Aniołki, Piecki and Migowo, Młyniska or Przymorze Wielkie and Małe ? After all, each of them carries its own history and identity, which are worth cultivating.

A building made of bricks, prayers and dreams - the history of the mosque in Gdańsk

It all started with a dream that appeared in the hearts of Muslims living in the Tri-City area in the 1950s.

Formally, the Muslim community was established in 1959, but for many years its members met in rented premises. The need to create one's own Temple grew especially in the 1980s, when students from Arab countries began to come to Gdańsk in large numbers.

On September 29, 1984, the cornerstone for the construction of the mosque was laid. The works lasted six years and were completed on June 1, 1990. B

It was a grassroots initiative, supported by the Muslim Religious Community in Gdańsk , which not only organised collections but also actively participated in the construction.

Financial support from abroad was invaluable: among others, from the Muslim World League in Saudi Arabia and the Grand Mufti of Lebanon.

The architect of the temple was Marian Wszelaki, and the fence design was created by Marian Murman. Although the Gdańsk mosque is relatively modest, its symbolism and significance are enormous.

During the construction, something beautiful and symbolic happened: Muslims and Christians from a nearby church helped each other by exchanging bricks.

This is not just a story about the creation of a building. It is a story about solidarity , community and the belief that a mosque in Gdańsk can become a place that brings people together instead of dividing them.

A Minaret Without a Voice and Calligraphy with a Soul – What Does a Mosque Look Like Inside?

Although the building itself at Abrahama 17A is important, it is what happens inside that gives it its true meaning. Here, religion meets everyday life, and tradition meets modernity. Let us cross this symbolic threshold together.

Peace, tradition and simplicity

Although the mosque in Gdańsk may seem inconspicuous from the outside, its interior hides peace, simplicity and great respect for the tradition of Islam.

Mediterranean style, oriental accents and calligraphy of Koranic verses create an atmosphere conducive to concentration. This is not a place for ostentation – it is a space where the spirit should have the first word.

Religious elements and their meaning

In the center is the mihrab , an ornate niche indicating the direction of Mecca. Next to it is the minbar , a wooden pulpit from which the imam delivers sermons during the most important services, such as the Friday prayer .

Interestingly, the imam of the Gdańsk mosque can be heard not only in Arabic, but also in Polish, Turkish or English – depending on which prayer participants will sit on the carpets that day.

Space for everyone

On the first floor, there is a space designated for women – the so-called gallery , which provides them with comfort and freedom. Here, everyone can find a place for themselves, regardless of their origin or level of religious initiation.

Calligraphy, details and Turkish atmosphere

The interior is in keeping with classical Islamic tradition. Calligraphy can be seen on the walls , including the most important creed: " There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his Prophet ."

After the latest renovation, carried out with the support of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the interior boasts new elements: stylish Turkish doors, a richly decorated chandelier and patterns inspired by the poetry of Rumi.

A minaret that is silent out of respect for its inhabitants

Importantly, the minaret of the Gdańsk mosque – although it is 30 meters tall – remains silent. The lack of loudspeakers is not a coincidence, but a conscious decision resulting from respect for the residents and the practical approach of the Muslim Religious Community in Gdańsk .

Walking with an open heart

If you feel like visiting this place, you don't need a special invitation. The Gdańsk Friday Prayer is just one of many events you can come across.

All you need is prior contact with the imam of the Gdańsk mosque , taking off your shoes at the entrance and a bit of openness. The temple is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - then you have the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of spirituality, which does not impose, but invites reflection.

Gdańsk Muslims are not only Tatars

Many people associate the Muslim community in Gdańsk mainly with the Tatars, who have lived on the territory of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth for centuries. And rightly so – they were among the first to establish a Muslim community here. But the reality is much more complex and colorful.

Today, Gdańsk Muslims are a diverse mix of people from different continents and cultures. We have students from the Middle East , immigrants from Africa and Asia Minor, converts from Poland, and believers from Scandinavia and the former Soviet republics. Each of them brings something of their own to this extraordinary community.

Numbers that show the big picture

It is estimated that there are currently around 500 active Muslims living in the Tri-City. Of these, around 140 are Tatars. Although this is a small fraction of the region's population, their cultural and social influence is clear. Thanks to them, the mosque in Gdańsk is not just a building, but a space for meeting and dialogue.

It wasn't always easy

Such great diversity is also a challenge. In the past, there were tensions between traditional Tatar Islam and the more orthodox practices brought by immigrants. The solution? Separate worship services, openness to dialogue and the ability to live together. Today, it is one, albeit diverse, group of Muslims who unite in prayer and joint initiatives.

Who runs the Gdansk mosque?

The head of the mosque of the Gdańsk commune is the chairman Olgierd Chazbijewicz – a Tatar, a publicist and an academic lecturer. Spiritual duties are performed by the imam of the Gdańsk mosque Sami Ayaydin, who not only leads prayers but also actively works for integration and education.

All this is happening within the structure of the Muslim Religious Union in Poland , the oldest and most recognizable organization of Polish Muslims. Within its framework , the Muslim Religious Community in Gdańsk develops its activities, building bridges with other religions and local communities.

Ramadan, Bajram and community spirit – what's happening in the mosque in Gdańsk?

Although many people associate the mosque in Gdańsk with a place of prayer, its role goes much further. It is a center of spiritual life, education, and community – a place where everyday life mixes with exceptional events, and the religious calendar sets the rhythm for hundreds of believers.

Holy time of Ramadan 1446

For the faithful gathered around the mosque of the Gdańsk commune , the time of Ramadan is much more than fasting. It is a month of spiritual purification, joint prayers and meetings that cement bonds.

In 2025, Ramadan 1446 began on March 1 – as always according to astronomical calculations.

Every day after sunset, prayer participants gather in the mosque to experience the evening rituals together and then share a meal.

As part of the celebrations, special events are organised, such as the Quran Recitation Programme , which attracted a large number of believers in January 2025.

It is not only prayer, but also shared learning, emotions and an opportunity to support younger members of the community.

Eid al-Fitr – joy after Ramadan

The culmination of the fast is Eid al-Fitr , also known as Ramadan Bajram . In 2025, this holiday gathered several hundred Muslims from all over Poland. Prayers were held not only inside, but also on Abrahama Street, closed to traffic for the occasion - which has already become a local tradition.

During these days, Zakat al-Fitr also plays an important role – the obligatory alms that the faithful give before the end of Ramadan. Thanks to it, the most needy can also enjoy the festive time.

The community in Gdansk takes this element very seriously, which demonstrates its deeply rooted values of solidarity and mutual support.

Isha Prayer and the Spirit of Everyday Life

In addition to the great holidays, everyday religious practices are also important. The Isha prayer , or night prayer, is performed with as much commitment as the others.

For many believers, it is a moment of respite after a whole day and a moment for quiet reflection. In the mosque in Gdańsk, prayers are held every day – with respect, order and sanitary rules.

Education, openness and local cooperation

The Muslim Religious Community in Gdańsk also actively participates in the social life of the city. It organizes educational activities for students, takes part in the Night of Museums and the Night of Temples, and cooperates with other denominations and the authorities of Gdańsk .

This shows that the spiritual dimension of a place can go hand in hand with openness and dialogue – and the Gdańsk mosque itself is not a closed place only for “its own”, but a space for meetings and exchange.

It is these events – everyday and exceptional – that make the mosque in Gdańsk truly alive. And it invites everyone who wants to better understand Islam, other people… and perhaps themselves.

Between Challenges and Solidarity – Darker Moments of the Gdansk Mosque

Not every story has only a bright side. This is the case of the Gdansk mosque , which, despite its spiritual and cultural significance, had to face acts of aggression and misunderstanding.

These experiences, however, did not weaken the community; on the contrary, they showed how strong support can be when trials come.

• Unwanted gestures of hatred: It didn't take global dramas for the local community to feel their effects. After the events of September 11, 2001, there was unrest around the mosque. Someone broke the windows, someone else threw a stone. These were not isolated incidents, but a signal that the Muslim community in Gdańsk had to face a wave of distrust.

  
  

• Vandalism and arson attempts: The situation worsened significantly in the following years. In July 2012, an act of vandalism occurred, and a year later – in October 2013 – someone set fire to the side door and the facade. The losses were estimated at around 70 thousand złoty. The perpetrators were never caught. The year 2014 brought another arson attempt and the appearance of offensive inscriptions on the wall.

  
  

• Support that heals wounds: But in these difficult times, the Muslim community in Gdańsk was not left alone. The appeal for help was answered not only by the faithful, but also by ordinary Gdańsk residents and local leaders. Thanks to collections and the support of the insurer, it was possible to rebuild the destroyed parts of the mosque. In 2018, thanks to the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) , a comprehensive renovation was carried out. At that time, new Turkish doors, a chandelier and oriental decorations inspired by the poetry of Rumi were installed.

Against stereotypes, towards dialogue

Despite the difficulties, the Muslim Religious Community in Gdańsk has not closed itself off. On the contrary, it has opened its doors even wider. An example is the numerous events open to residents: from the Gdańsk Friday prayer , through lessons for schools, to interfaith meetings. This is a response to stereotypes - with dialogue, presence and action.