Taipei City, Taiwan
Coordinates: 25.027933, 121.534219
The Taipei Grand Mosque is the largest and most famous mosque in Taiwan with a total area of 2,747 square metres.
Located in the Da’an District of Taipei City, it is Taiwan’s most important Islamic structure and was registered as a historic landmark on 29 June 1999 by the Taipei City Government
History
Since 1947 many Chinese Muslims that came to Taiwan could not find any place to pray, they raised money to build the very first mosque in Taiwan.
They built the mosque at No. 2, Lane 17, Lishui Street, Da’an District, Taipei City. The land was donated by Chang Tze-chun and Cheng Hou-ren.
Muslims from Mainland China started to pray in that mosque in August 1948.
With the growing number of Chinese Muslims with the KMT government, the mosque suddenly became too small to accommodate the growing number of worshipers, therefore they had to look for a new bigger place to rebuild the mosque.
The cost of the construction was covered by the CMA with funding of $150,000 from the Shah of Iran and King of Jordan, $100,000 loaned by the Kuomintang government and loan from the Bank of Taiwan.
The mosque has strong ties to Saudi Arabia which continues to provide financial support to the mosque. Visiting Saudi Imams come to preach at the mosque during Ramadan.
In 1971 the mosque was visited by King Faisal.
In 1999, the mosque faced a risk of being demolished to due a land dispute with a cement company. It was reported that the cement company declared having the ownership of land where the mosque is located. They attempted to dismantle the mosque in order to take back the land.
However, under the concerned legislators of the area and from the assistance of Taipei City government under Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou, the mosque was finally turned into a historic building as it may preserve diverse cultural development.
However, the board of directors of the mosque still had to struggle to solve the land dispute.
Present
Just like any other mosque, Taipei Grand Mosque is the place for Muslims in Taiwan to perform their five daily prayers, including the Friday prayer on Friday afternoon, Eid prayers, Tarawih prayers in the evening during the fasting month and even the funeral prayers for the deceased.
The mosque opened its door to the public during its building 41st anniversary in April 2001 where it held activities such as photography and exhibitions.
The Vice-Imam of the mosque Ishag Ma said that the event is not only a cultural celebration, but also as an invitation to those Taiwanese who no longer practice their Muslim faith, such as those living in Lukang Township in Changhua County.
The mosque often host visit by students belonging to other faith and being explained by the Imam so that they can have a better understanding about the teaching of Islam.
The mosque also holds inter-religious workshops and debates between Islam and Confucianism, Catholicism and Buddhism to promote mutual understanding with other religions.
Know This
Taipei Grand Mosque is not located very close to any MRT station. However, from Daan Park MRT station, it is a leisurely and peaceful stroll across the park to the mosque, about 10 minutes walk. Alternatively, you can get there by taking public bus.
Friday prayers is the time when the local Muslim community gets together.
Food vendors set up shop outside the mosque. After prayers, there is a bazaar in one of the halls on the ground floor within the mosque with stalls selling cooked food for dining in, packed meals and snacks, uncooked food and ingredients for cooking, souvenirs, and other knick knacks.
