The largest building of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the mosque is a scaled-down replica of Erdine’s Selimye Mosque in Turkey.
Residents watched the edifice soar into the skyline between 2009 and 2012, thanks to the skills of Turkish specialist artists and craftsmen.
“[The mosque] has four tall minarets, and stands proud on the south-eastern border of Midrand, clearly visible to the right of the Annandale Road off-ramp on the N1 highway,” said foundation spokesperson Eira Bond.
“We will be taken around the mosque… Just to stand in the centre is a breathtaking experience, surrounded by light seeping through many windows, reflecting on the shades of blue and turquoise Turkish cini tiles.”
The tour group will also be shown an impressive photo display of a number of Turkish mosques, and will also be able to visit some of the shops in the greater mosque complex.
Bond requested that female visitors dress conservatively, and not wear low-cut dresses or miniskirts.
“Some type of light head covering would also be appropriate,” said Bond.
“[Men], please wear long trousers, and bear in mind that shoes have to be removed, so no holey socks.”
The tour will also include the option of lunch at the mosque restaurant.
The Nizamyie Kulliyesi Mosque walking tour will take place on 12 July at the mosque, corner of Old Pretoria and Le Roux roads, Midrand, at 10.30am.
Details: 011 482 3349; www.joburgheritage.co.za
