Yunus Emre-moskee

Yunus Emre Mosque is a Turkish mosque located in the Sledderlo district of Genk, a former mining town in the Belgian province of Limburg. The building takes its name from Yunus Emre, one of the most celebrated Turkish Sufi poets, whose verses on love and spirituality remain influential throughout the Turkish-speaking world to this day.

How did a Turkish mosque end up in Sledderlo?

The story of the mosque goes back to the early 1980s. Genk's coal-mining past drew large numbers of Turkish workers to the city in previous decades, and as the community grew, so did the need for a permanent place of worship. The local Turkish Mosque Association began its activities in the Sledderlo district in 1982, initially operating from more modest, temporary premises.

As the congregation continued to expand, those early arrangements were no longer sufficient. The decision to build a permanent, purpose-built mosque was made in the 1990s, with construction starting in 1996. The building was designed by architect Guido Walgrave. Work continued for several years and the mosque was completed in 2002, opening in the form it retains today.

What does the building look like?

Yunus Emre Mosque is an imposing structure that blends elements of classical Ottoman architecture with modern construction techniques. At its heart lies a main prayer hall of roughly 1,185 square metres, crowned by a distinctive dome that stands out clearly against the surrounding residential skyline. Beside the main structure rises a slender minaret, a traditional feature of this type of religious architecture that historically served as the point from which the call to prayer was issued.

The interior of the main hall was designed to accommodate large numbers of worshippers, particularly during Friday prayers and religious holidays, when families from across the district gather at the mosque.

Who runs the mosque and what role does it play?

The mosque falls under the structures of the Turkish Diyanet (the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey), the institution that oversees Turkish mosques both domestically and among the Turkish diaspora across Europe. This means Yunus Emre Mosque is not simply a place of worship, but also part of a wider network of Turkish religious communities in Belgium, organisationally connected to similar centres in other cities.

Beyond its strictly religious function, the mosque also serves as a hub for community life: it hosts gatherings, religious education classes for children and young people, and events tied to the Islamic calendar.

Why is it worth noting when visiting Genk?

For visitors exploring Genk, a city best known for its post-industrial transformation, with former mining sites converted into parks and tourist attractions, Yunus Emre Mosque offers a glimpse of another side of the city: its multicultural character and the history of labour migration that shaped modern Genk. The mosque's dome and minaret stand in clear contrast to the surrounding residential buildings of Sledderlo, making it an easily recognisable landmark within the district.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Yunus Emre Mosque located? It is located in the Sledderlo district of Genk, in the Belgian province of Limburg.

When was the current mosque building constructed? Construction began in 1996 and was completed in 2002. The community itself has been active in the district since 1982.

Who designed the building? The mosque was designed by architect Guido Walgrave.

How large is the main prayer hall? The main prayer hall covers an area of approximately 1,185 square metres.

Where does the mosque's name come from? It is named after Yunus Emre, one of the best-known Turkish Sufi poets.

Can visitors tour the mosque? As an active place of worship, the mosque primarily serves the local Muslim community; visitors are advised to arrange a visit with the community in advance, especially outside prayer times.