13.04.2026 00:00
A lavish "baby shower" event held inside a mosque in Gölcük district of Kocaeli has caused an uproar on social media. Images featuring neon signs, floral decorations, and ornate baby cradles set up in the main worship area of the mosque quickly spread; the celebration, deemed contrary to the spirit of the religious venue, drew significant backlash from the public. Social media users expressed their outrage at the use of places of worship for such events and called on the Directorate of Religious Affairs to take action.
The "baby shower" organization held inside a mosque in Gölcük district of Kocaeli has become a hot topic in Turkey following the images shared on social media. The lavish decorations and neon lights, which are considered contrary to the spiritual atmosphere of the mosque, drew significant backlash.
ORGANIZATION WITH NEON SIGN INSIDE THE MOSQUE
In the images circulating on social media, it can be seen that white sofas, a flower-decorated backdrop, and a neon sign reading "Oh Baby" were placed inside the mosque. Additionally, a decorated baby crib with the name "Zeynep" was positioned in the center of the mosque, and the atmosphere adorned with candlesticks raised discussions about the intended use of the religious space.
REACTIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ARE MOUNTAINOUS
With the rapid spread of the video, thousands of users reacted strongly to the situation, emphasizing the sanctity of places of worship. Citizens tagged the accounts of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, Kocaeli Governorship, and Kocaeli Provincial Mufti, asking the following questions:
"How can places of worship be allocated for such showy organizations?"
"Who gave permission for this event, and on what grounds?"
"Will an investigation be launched regarding these images that are incompatible with the dignity and honor of the mosque?"
STATEMENTS FROM AUTHORITIES ARE AWAITED
While there has not yet been an official statement from the Kocaeli Governorship and Provincial Mufti regarding the incident in Gölcük, the public is demanding increased oversight on the use of places of worship in this manner.
The ongoing debate continues on whether this organization held in the mosque harms religious values and the culture of places of worship.