Cologne's Permanent Call to Friday Prayers
In a significant move for religious expression, the German city of Cologne has decided to make the call to Friday prayers a permanent feature, following a successful two-year pilot project. This decision reflects the city's commitment to embracing its diverse Muslim community, which is one of the largest in Germany. The agreement, signed with local mosque administrations, will allow the call to prayer to be broadcast over loudspeakers indefinitely, adhering to specific guidelines to ensure it does not disturb local residents.
The Friday prayer call, which has been broadcast since October 2022, occurs between 12:00 and 15:00 and is limited to a duration of five minutes. The volume of the call is regulated to match that of church bells, ensuring a harmonious coexistence of different faiths within the community. This initiative is supported by various Turkish-Islamic organizations based in Cologne, including the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs, which oversees approximately 900 mosques across Germany.
Embracing Diversity in Cologne
Cologne's decision to continue the call to prayer highlights the city's recognition of its multicultural fabric. The pilot project was initially introduced to assess the community's response and to promote understanding between different religious groups. The positive feedback received during the trial period led to the extension of this agreement, showcasing a progressive approach to religious freedom in Germany. The city’s mayor emphasized that this initiative is a testament to Cologne's diversity and inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging among its Muslim residents.
