Beyond serving as a place of worship, the mosque stands as a symbol of the connection between Islamic architecture, religious identity and the cultural memory of Al-Quds.

In western Turkey, a mosque with a golden dome and octagonal design evokes the familiar image of one of al-Qud’s most prominent landmarks.

The Al-Quds Mosque in Balikesir, inspired by the architecture of the Dome of the Rock, has become more than a place of worship. Its distinctive design attracts tourists and enthusiasts of Islamic architecture from across Turkey, creating a connection between architectural art, religious identity and al-Quds’s cultural significance.

The exterior of the building incorporates details reminiscent of one of the best-known historical and religious landmarks in al-Quds. This distinctive appearance encourages visitors to explore the area around the mosque and take photographs in front of its striking facade.

The idea behind the mosque emerged from an effort to preserve al-Quds’s religious and cultural significance in the collective memory of Turkish society. Rather than relying on words and narratives, the project sought to convey this connection through architecture.

Construction of the Al-Quds Mosque began in April 2018, with financial contributions from Turkish donors. The project was carried out in coordination with local religious authorities and with the support of an association established to oversee the mosque's construction and its accompanying facilities.

Construction took approximately 16 months, and the mosque was officially opened to worshippers on Eid al-Adha in 2019.

The mosque covers an area of approximately 400 square meters and stands nearly 15.6 meters tall. Its dome has a diameter of around 10 meters, while the interior can accommodate approximately 750 worshippers.

One of the mosque’s most distinctive features is its golden-colored dome, which rises above an octagonal structure. The combination of this architectural design with the colors and decorative elements used inside and outside the building clearly reflects the influence of al-Quds's Islamic architecture.

Since its official opening, the Al-Quds Mosque has become a destination for visitors wishing to admire its distinctive architecture, learn about the story behind its construction and worship within its premises.

The Al-Quds Mosque in Balikesir can be seen as an example of the relationship between architecture and cultural memory. With its golden dome and octagonal structure, the building keeps the memory of al-Quds alive in another part of the world, demonstrating how architecture can carry meaning, identity and the memory of a historic place beyond its primary religious function.