Ibn Rushd-Goethe mosque

The Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque is a mosque in the Moabit district of Berlin, housed in a side building of a Protestant church. The prayer room features simple furnishings with prayer rugs, bookshelves and seating benches, used for joint services without gender-specific partitions.

The mosque was founded in 2017 by lawyer Seyran Ateş to create a reform-oriented Islamic place of worship. Its opening triggered criticism from conservative religious authorities in several countries who rejected its interpretation of Islam.

The prayer hall welcomes members from Sunni, Shia, Alevi and Sufi traditions under one roof. Women lead Friday prayers and deliver sermons just as men do, reflecting a commitment to shared religious authority.

The mosque is located at Ottostraße 16 in the Mitte district and is easily reached by public transport. Visitors should remove shoes when entering and wear modest clothing, though headscarves for women are optional.

The name links the medieval Muslim philosopher Ibn Rushd with German writer Goethe and symbolizes dialogue between cultures. Prayer leadership alternates between female and male imams, a practice not common in most mosques worldwide.

Location: Bezirk Mitte von Berlin

Founders: Seyran Ateş

GPS coordinates: 52.52500,13.34944

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:31