Erdoğan speaks at the opening of the Namazgah Mosque in Tirana

Erdoğan's remarks are as follows:

"Today, I am experiencing great joy. I pray to the Almighty that this mosque, the largest in the Balkans, for which we laid the foundation in 2015, will be auspicious for all our Muslim brothers and sisters. I would like to thank all our Albanian brothers and sisters who contributed to the construction of this mosque, which was built with the contributions of our Presidency of Religious Affairs, especially Mr. Rama."

"8 THOUSAND PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO WORSHIP"

"I believe that the largest mosque in the Balkan geography will take its place in our memories as the newest symbol of our brotherhood. We designed the Tirana Namazgah Mosque as a structure that brings together Ottoman architecture with today's construction technology. Built on an area of approximately 10 decares, 8 thousand people will be able to worship in the mosque at the same time. We built our mosque with the concept of a complex, including an exhibition hall, a library, study rooms, and a cultural center."

"DEEPENING OUR RELATIONS IS OUR PRIORITY"

"I have no doubt that the Namazgah Mosque will be a symbol of the friendship and brotherhood between us. I congratulate everyone who contributed to this magnificent work that leaves those who see it in awe and provides inner peace. I would like to emphasize here that deepening our relations with Albania is our priority."

"THE MOSQUE IS AT THE FOUNDATION OF CIVILIZATION"

"The two nations have supported each other on every occasion and have shared each other's sorrows and joys. The solidarity shown by the two nations during the earthquake disasters in our country has set an example for the international community. In Islamic thought, the mosque is at the foundation of civilization. Mosques are places where values that elevate society, such as brotherhood, cooperation, and solidarity, are kept alive. Mosques are centers of truth that call humanity to monotheism and unite believers under their domes. Just as we build mosques today, we must all strive together to live and keep these values alive."

"IT IS A CONSCIENTIOUS OBLIGATION FOR ALL OF US"

"We must not break away from the sublime values of Islam, the religion of peace, and we must not leave the field empty for interest groups that exploit our holy religion for their personal ambitions. The oppression practiced by Israel in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories has left 1 year behind. The Israeli administration continues its attacks in Palestine without distinguishing between children, women, youth, or the elderly. Now they have moved their massacre policies to Lebanon. Standing against the state terrorism practiced by Israel is a conscientious obligation for all of us."

"NETANYAHU HAS ONCE AGAIN SHOWN THAT HE HAS NO INTENTION OF PEACE"

"By attacking Lebanon as well, the Netanyahu administration has once again shown that it has no intention of establishing peace in the region. In this holy place, I once again call on the entire world, especially Muslims and those with a conscience, to take a common stance against Israeli aggression."