One of the places I had wanted to visit was Tokyo Camii (Tokyo Mosque), which also happens to be the Turkish Cultural Centre in Japan. After having visited the squeezed-in-between-two-apartments Hira Mosque in Gyotoku for our afternoon prayers the first day, we had anticipated Tokyo Camii to be similarly humble (let’s not even talk about the cracked window obviously a result of a stone throw), to say the least. But as we left the metro station and spotted the minaret far ahead, we knew Tokyo Camii would be as jaw-dropping as the stories I’ve heard of it.
Right after snapping this shot, two elderly Japanese ladies walked by, bowed to the mosque in respect, and continued their way. True story.
The stairs led us to a beautiful veranda with an entrance to the main prayer hall, boasting quintessential intricate Turkish designs and high ceilings. The veranda was also where I spent my time snapping away, while waiting for the mister to finish his prayers, and had an interesting conversation with an adorable old Japanese man who collected ‘thank you’ in different languages in his little book. I contributed to his list with an Arabic equivalent. Haha.
After a short conversation with a group of Singaporean girls, exchanging halal eateries in Tokyo and basic food survival tips, we proceeded to the first floor leading to the Turkish cultural gallery, which not only served as a great touristy museum, but also served as a functional venue for gatherings and meetings amongst the Turkish expatriates living in Tokyo.
- all photos taken with Dexter (Vivitar UWS); Kodak Tmax 200
