30.01.2026 16:00
Oktay Saral, the chief advisor to the President, reacted against Kadıköy Mayor Mesut Kösedağı's decision to oppose the approval of the mosque project planned to be built in Kadıköy, Istanbul. Saral stated, "The issue is not urban planning, but intolerance. The mosque is the temple of this nation; it should not be a subject of controversy, but a matter of respect."
Recently, the decision regarding the cancellation of the mosque project planned for Kadıköy, Istanbul, was rejected by the court, granting approval for its construction.
TO BE BUILT ON THE COASTLINE
The mosque is planned to be located at a point close to the coastline in Kadıköy Rıhtım Square, within the existing square arrangement. It is stated that the project is designed to be compatible with the silhouette of the region and its surrounding texture. According to information obtained from officials, it is expected that relevant institutions will begin preparations for the implementation process after the court decision becomes final. In this context, it is expressed that construction work can begin after updating zoning and implementation projects and completing the necessary permit processes.
REACTION FROM THE MAYOR OF KADIKÖY
Following the decision, a notable statement came from Kadıköy Mayor Mesut Kösedağı. Kösedağı emphasized that Kadıköylü citizens should have a say in matters concerning Kadıköy, reminding that there are multiple historical mosques within walking distance of the landfill area where the mosque is planned to be built. Stating that no opinions or requests were obtained from Kadıköylü citizens regarding the project, Kösedağı expressed that the functions of the mosque and the underground parking lot would further increase the already intense pedestrian and vehicle traffic in Kadıköy Square and its surroundings.
"THE SAME CLASSIC OBJECTIONS ARE ALWAYS MADE"
Regarding these objections, AK Party Member of Parliament İsa Mesih Şahin shared a photo he took in Kadıköy, stating, "Whenever the construction of a mosque in Kadıköy comes up, the same classic objections are always made! I shared this photo 9 years ago during my term as the Kadıköy District Chairman. I said it then, and I say it now; a new mosque is a necessity for the center of Kadıköy, period. Our mosques are our sacred temples, and it is not right to make them a subject of political polemics. A mosque to be built on the Kadıköy coastline will add value and meaning to the silhouette of our Istanbul." he said.
SARAL: THE ISSUE IS INTOLERANCE
Quoting this post, Presidential Chief Advisor Oktay Saral used the following expressions: "The stance that expressed the need for a mosque in Kadıköy years ago is extremely justified and appropriate. Fighting with the identity of a city and having problems with its faith does not earn anyone democracy points. The mentality that opposes the mosque in Taksim shows the same reflex in Kadıköy today. The issue is not urbanism; the issue is intolerance. The mosque is the temple of this nation; it should not be a subject of polemics but a matter of respect."