The mosque will cost some 30 million euros ($34 million), and take more than two years to build.
It will be able to accommodate some 4,500 worshippers on an area of some 20,000 square metres (215,280 square feet).
Genti Kruja, a representative of the Muslim community in Tirana, said the mosque would be the biggest in the Balkans.
"We would like to finish (construction) soon, to make the gift to our Albanian brothers," Erdogan told reporters at a joint press conference with Nishani.
The mosque will be part of an Islamic complex in the heart of Tirana, which is set to house conference and exhibition halls, libraries and museums. The site is located near landmark Catholic and Orthodox cathedrals.
Nearby, a "museum of coexistence" will also be erected, Erdogan said, adding that it would act as "a symbol of religious tolerance".
Muslims make up 56 percent of Albania's population of three million. Catholics and Orthodox represent around 15 and 11 percent respectively, according to the latest estimates.
The three communities live together peacefully, without tension.
Turkish investments in the Balkan country amount to some $2.7 billion (2.4 billion euros).
AFP
dailystar.com.lb
13/5/15
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- Erdoğan calls on Europe to welcome more migrants...
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called on Europe to take in more migrants and refugees from Syria and Iraq, saying his own country has borne the brunt of the refugee crisis and has been sheltering about 2 million people.
During a visit to Albania on May 13, Erdoğan said Turkey has spent $5.6 billion to care for 1.7 million Syrians and 300,000 Iraqis in refugee camps or living in Turkish cities.
Speaking after meeting with his Albanian counterpart Bujar Nishani, Erdoğan said developed countries should do their “duty” and offer solutions for the migration crisis. Hundreds of migrants have died so far this year in sea crossings trying to reach Europe.
Erdoğan is visiting Albania to discuss increasing economic ties with the small Balkan nation, heading a delegation of about 100 businessmen.
During his visit, Erdoğan will to inaugurate the start of construction on a 20,000-square-meter mosque to be built next to the parliament building in the capital Tirana. The Namazgah Mosque will put an end to praying on the main Boulevard Martyrs of the Nation during Muslim religious ceremonies.
Albania’s 3.2 million population is predominantly Muslim.
hurriyetdailynews.com
13/5/15
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