Turkish Society of Lancaster Ahiska Diyanet Mosque (Lancaster, PA)
A Historical and Social Perspective
The Lancaster Meskhetian Turkish Mosque is a major religious and cultural center located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States. The mosque's history reflects the presence and integration of the Meskhetian Turkish community of Lancaster in the United States.
Establishment and Financing of the Mosque
The mosque was founded in 2017 by a gathering of approximately 40 Turkish families living in Lancaster. The community purchased a former church building valued at $240,000 on an installment plan. In 2022, ownership of the mosque was transferred to the community after all debt was paid. This process is significant in demonstrating the material and spiritual strength of the Ahiska Turkish community.
Architectural and Physical Structure
The mosque building, built on approximately 1.5 acres of land, was originally constructed as a church in 1940. The surrounding area was previously planned as a cemetery. The mosque has two stories. The high ceiling of the upper floor gives the mosque a spacious appearance. The mosque's annex houses a 28-car parking lot, two restrooms, and a 50-square-meter Ahıska Turkish association.
Capacity and Usage Areas
The mosque covers approximately 325 square meters and can accommodate 150 people. The prayer area includes a separate section for women. A kitchen is located on the lower floor of the mosque, used primarily for communal iftar meals during Ramadan. Additionally, the lower floor serves as a study center for girls on weekends, while the upper floor serves as a classroom for boys. This demonstrates that the mosque is not only a religious center but also a social and cultural gathering place.
Social and Cultural Function
The Lancaster Ahıska Turkish Mosque plays a significant role not only as a place of worship but also in preserving Ahıska Turkish culture and passing it on to future generations. The association operating within the mosque organizes various cultural events and strengthens the community's social ties.
The Lancaster Meskhetian Turkish Mosque has become a significant symbol of the Meskhetian Turkish community living in the United States. In addition to meeting the community's religious, social, and cultural needs, the mosque also plays a significant role in their integration into American society. The mosque's history illuminates the Meskhetian Turks' challenging past and their struggles to adapt to their new life in America.
Address: 747 Centerville Rd Lancaster PA 17601
President of the Association: Akhmet Sabriyev
267 690 89 76
lancasterturks@gmail.com