Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday welcomed King Charles III's visit to the Cambridge Central Mosque, describing the visit as a meaningful gesture at a time when Islamophobia and cultural racism continue to pose challenges in many parts of the world.

In a written message issued following the visit, Erdoğan said the mosque—constructed with contributions from the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation—has become a symbol of solidarity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.

"Since its first brick was laid, we have seen that our mosque, which has become a symbol of solidarity against discrimination and respect against hatred, has successfully carried out this mission," Erdoğan said.

The Turkish president praised King Charles for his longstanding efforts to encourage dialogue and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds.

Erdoğan said he attached great importance to the British monarch's visit and expressed his hope to welcome King Charles to Türkiye in the future.

He also extended his greetings to the people of the United Kingdom and to the country's Muslim community, particularly Turkish citizens living there.

During his visit, King Charles toured the Cambridge Central Mosque and met with its imams, trustees, and members of the local Muslim community.

The monarch was introduced to various sections of the mosque and received briefings on the building's distinctive architecture, environmentally sustainable design, and community outreach initiatives.

He also visited the mosque's community garden, where officials highlighted social-service projects and the active role played by young people in supporting local charitable activities.

Discussions during the visit also focused on the contribution faith communities can make in addressing climate change, as well as Islamic teachings on environmental stewardship and the protection of nature.

Julia Barfield, director of London-based Marks Barfield Architects, which designed the mosque, presented King Charles with details of the building's architectural concept.

Officials said the king, who has long expressed an interest in architecture and sustainable development, showed particular interest in the mosque's design, which blends Islamic architectural traditions with elements inspired by British craftsmanship.

To mark the occasion, King Charles received three commemorative gifts.

The first was a handcrafted glass paperweight inspired by the iconic dome of Türkiye's historic Selimiye Mosque. He was also presented with a limited-edition copy of Turkish scholar Fuat Sezgin's The Scientific Legacy of Islamic Civilization, along with a book documenting the planning, construction, architectural vision, and international recognition received by the Cambridge Central Mosque.

Opened in 2019 during a ceremony attended by President Erdoğan, the Cambridge Central Mosque is widely recognized as Europe's first eco-friendly mosque.

The mosque incorporates a range of environmentally sustainable technologies, including photovoltaic solar panels, air-source heat pumps, natural ventilation systems, sustainably sourced timber, and rainwater harvesting for irrigation and cleaning. Solar energy supplies approximately 40 percent of the building's electricity needs.

Beyond serving as a place of worship, the mosque functions as a community center, providing assistance to families facing financial hardship, organizing public health awareness programs, and hosting educational and social initiatives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mosque also served as a vaccination center for the local community.

King Charles' visit is regarded as one of the most significant visits by a British monarch to a Muslim place of worship in the United Kingdom. Previously, Queen Elizabeth II visited Scunthorpe Mosque in Lincolnshire in 2002, highlighting the Royal Family's engagement with Britain's diverse faith communities. (ILKHA)