17.08.2026 11:30
Footage has been released showing the opening of the new center in Cologne of the Islamic Cultural Centers Union, which is associated with the structure publicly known as 'Süleymancılar'. It drew attention that the opening was timed to coincide with the day Alihan Kuriş was arrested.
Images from the opening of the new center of the Islamic Cultural Centers Association (VIKZ), associated with the structure known as the "Süleymancılar," in Cologne, Germany, have emerged.
WAS THE OPENING DATE MOVED UP?
Alongside the images that caused a wide stir on social media and in public opinion, a striking claim also came to the agenda. According to discussions behind the scenes, the opening date of the center in Cologne was deliberately moved up. It was claimed that holding the ceremony on the day Alihan Kuriş was referred to the courthouse in Ankara was intended to "boost the morale" of the organization's members following the investigation conducted in Turkey.
HUNDREDS OF 'BLUE-CAPPED' TOGETHER
In the videos from the opening, a large crowd is seen gathering at the new center. While the fact that most participants wore the same type of blue cap drew attention, moments when the crowd collectively waved at a point above were captured on camera. It could not be clearly discerned from the images who or what the participants were waving at.
FEATURES OF THE MASSIVE 70 MILLION EURO COMPLEX
It is claimed that the new center, built in Cologne's Müngersdorf district by VIKZ (Verband der Islamischen Kulturzentren), which operates in Germany and is not on the domestic intelligence monitoring list, cost up to 70 million euros. The complex, built by the organization that has been active in the country since 1973, rises on a plot of 12,608 square meters.
According to information shared on the corporate promotional page, the capacity of the center, which includes a prayer area, educational center, administrative offices, and meeting halls, is as follows:
- Prayer area for 881 people
- Student dormitory with 231 beds
- Guesthouse with 114 beds
- Open parking area for 172 vehicles
- Indoor parking with capacity for 156 vehicles
INTERIOR MINISTER ÇİFTÇİ HAD ALSO POINTED IT OUT
In his statements following the operation against the Alihan Kuriş criminal organization, Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi had drawn attention to this center. Çiftçi shared with the public that it was assessed that the structure under investigation planned to move its activities to this new center in Cologne and that a massive investment had been made for the center.
ALİHAN KURİŞ AND 31 SUSPECTS ARRESTED
Meanwhile, the judicial process continues in the investigation conducted by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which includes charges of "establishing and managing a criminal organization," "laundering proceeds of crime," "fraud," and "violating the Tax Procedure Law." Of the 38 suspects referred to the criminal judgeship of peace after their statements at the prosecutor's office, 32 people, including Alihan Kuriş, were arrested and sent to prison. House arrest was ordered for six suspects.