Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Mosque Inaugurated in Guinea’s Capital

A mosque inspired by Ottoman and Seljuk architecture has been inaugurated in Conakry, Guinea, within the Samory Touré Military Barracks. Built by Türkiye’s Albayrak Group, the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Mosque stands as a symbol of the long-standing ties between the two nations.

To meet the needs of Muslim worshippers, Albayrak Group Chairman Ahmet Albayrak spearheaded the efforts to complete mosque constructions within military premises. In response, Albayrak Group proposed a larger, more comprehensive project. Construction started on October 10, 2022, with the group fully financing the $7 million mosque. Built on a 2,500-square-meter site, the mosque has a 1,100-square-meter enclosed space, accommodating 1,175 worshippers—475 inside and 700 in the courtyard.

The inauguration ceremony saw the participation of Guinean President Mamadi Doumbouya, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah, Minister of National Defense Aboubacar Sidiki Camara, and Minister of Religious Affairs Karamo Diawara. Several cabinet members, ambassadors, and diplomatic representatives were also present. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined the event via teleconference from Ankara, while Albayrak Group was represented by Chairman Ahmet Albayrak and Albayrak Construction General Manager Yunus Yılmaz. Employees of Albayrak Group’s operations in Guinea, along with Türkiye’s Ambassador to Guinea Rifat Cem Örnek and the military attaché, were also in attendance. Speakers at the event emphasized the cultural and diplomatic importance of the mosque, underscoring the historical ties between the two nations.

Designed as a cultural landmark, the mosque showcases architectural elements deeply rooted in Turkish history. Its domes are crafted from aluminum, surrounded by 24 stained-glass windows. The two minarets, each adorned with a special-textured paint imported from Türkiye, stand tall as defining features of the structure. Inside, the prayer hall is covered with 18mm wool carpets designed and manufactured in Türkiye. The mihrab (prayer niche) is made from specially carved marble, while the minbar, balustrades, podium, and Bursa-style wooden arches were custom-built. A Turkish calligrapher was commissioned to adorn the mosque’s interior with traditional Islamic inscriptions. The space is illuminated by a grand nine-meter-wide central chandelier, along with seven additional chandeliers and 25 wall-mounted lamps. A security system with eight cameras has also been installed for monitoring both interior and exterior areas.

Since 2017, Albayrak Group has undertaken various infrastructure and development projects in Guinea, including port and airport management, waste collection, public transportation, and agriculture. However, Albayrak noted that contributing to the city's religious and cultural landscape carried a deeper meaning. "For me, this mosque is not just a structure—it is a jewel embedded in Conakry's urban fabric, a reflection of our shared faith and heritage," he said.

Since 2017, Albayrak Group has undertaken various infrastructure and development projects in Guinea, including port and airport management, waste collection, public transportation, and agriculture. However, Albayrak noted that contributing to the city's religious and cultural landscape carried a deeper meaning. "For me, this mosque is not just a structure—it is a jewel embedded in Conakry's urban fabric, a reflection of our shared faith and heritage," he said.

Since 2017, Albayrak Group has undertaken various infrastructure and development projects in Guinea, including port and airport management, waste collection, public transportation, and agriculture. However, Albayrak noted that contributing to the city's religious and cultural landscape carried a deeper meaning. "For me, this mosque is not just a structure—it is a jewel embedded in Conakry's urban fabric, a reflection of our shared faith and heritage," he said.

As the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Mosque opens its doors to worshippers, it stands as a new testament to the growing cooperation between Guinea and Türkiye—an architectural and spiritual bridge connecting two nations through faith and friendship.