Aziziye Mosque

The Aziziye Mosque stands in Stoke Newington, part of the London Borough of Hackney. It occupies a former cinema built in 1913 as the Apollo Picture House. The building later became the Ambassador Cinema in 1933 and the Astra Cinema in 1974. Conversion to a mosque began in 1983 and was completed with funding from the UK Turkish Islamic Association. Services are held in Turkish, reflecting the community it serves. The mosque has a capacity of 2,000 worshippers. The mosque provides more than a place of worship. It includes a Halal butcher, a weekend school called the Aziziye Education Centre, a wedding hall and a restaurant. These facilities support daily life for local Turkish residents. The building is recognised by Hackney Council as a locally listed building. Its history as a cinema adds a distinctive character to the area. The mosque remains a focal point for the Turkish community in London. Inside, visitors find a spacious prayer hall with traditional Islamic design. The building retains some of its cinema heritage, such as ornate plasterwork and large windows. The surrounding streets in Stoke Newington are lined with shops and cafes catering to the local community. The mosque’s location makes it easy to reach by public transport. Its presence contributes to the cultural diversity of Hackney.