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Protests as Recep Tayyip Erdogan opens large mosque in Germany

While some waved Turkish flags and welcomed the president, others voiced disapproval of the country's human rights record.

Sunday 30 September 2018 07:30, UK

Demonstrators waved placards saying: 'Refugees welcome, Erdogan not welcome'
Image: Demonstrators waved placards saying: 'Refugees welcome, Erdogan not welcome'
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Turkey's president has concluded a trip to Germany by opening one of Europe's largest mosques - with thousands of supporters and protesters descending on Cologne.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan's controversial visit was an effort to repair ties between Ankara and Berlin, but the reception he received was cool at times.

Several opposition politicians boycotted a state dinner with Mr Erdogan held on Friday evening and German chancellor Angela Merkel was also absent.

Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stand near the new Ditib mosque prior to the arrival of Erdogan on September 29, 2018 in Cologne, Germany
Image: Thousands showed their support for Mr Erdogan outside the mosque

At the inauguration ceremony for the mosque on Saturday, some waved Turkish flags and shouted Mr Erdogan's name - chanting: "Who is the greatest? Turkey."

But some protesters were demonstrating against Turkey's human rights record, restrictions on press freedom and its treatment of minority Kurds.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan waves from his car as he arrives for the official opening of the newly built DITIB central mosque in Cologne, western Germany, on September 29, 2018
Image: Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in Germany to repair relations with the country

One protester, Cansu, said she had come from Switzerland to take part.

The 30-year-old student said: "I want to be the voice of people who can't take to the streets in Turkey, because they have been arrested, killed or otherwise suppressed."

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A woman walks with a banner reading 'Erdogan not Welcome' and Cologne's cathedral in the background prior to a demonstration on the theme Erdogan not welcome' prior to the visit of the Turkish President in Cologne, on September 29, 2018
Image: The Turkish president has been met by demonstrators as he wraps up his German visit

One Erdogan supporter who attended a rally to support the president said: "Erdogan is very popular because he has done a lot for his people."

The relationship between Turkey and Germany began to sour after the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, which resulted in the arrests of tens of thousands of people.

Visitors gather in front of the newly built DITIB central mosque in Cologne, western Germany, prior to its official opening on September 29, 2018
Image: Some nearby residents in Cologne have criticised the mosque's size

Mr Erdogan and Mrs Merkel met twice last week - and afterwards, Mrs Merkel was cautious, saying there were "deep differences" between them on civil rights and other issues.

But she also stressed the importance of a "stable" Turkey, vital to controlling the number of migrants coming into Europe.

Photos of Turkish people who died in jail in Turkey lay on the ground during a demonstration in Cologne prior to the visit of the Turkish President to Cologne, where he is to inaugurate one of Europe's largest mosques, on September 29, 2018
Image: Photos of Turkish people who died in jail during a demonstration in Cologne

Mr Erdogan seeks allies as his country's economy stutters and he fights US president Donald Trump over issues such as sanctions.

He described the German visit as "successful" and coming at a "critical period" but he criticised Germany for not taking a stronger line on "terrorists" such as supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) or followers of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who he blames for the coup attempt.

'Erdogan not welcome' stickers are seen on the floor in Cologne
Image: 'Erdogan not welcome' stickers are seen on the floor

The mosque itself, which first opened its doors last year, has upset some residents due to its size.

The group that commissioned it is also controversial.

The Turkish-Islamic Union Of The Institute For Religion (Ditib) is funded by Turkey, runs hundreds of mosques in Germany, and some of its members have been accused of spying on Turks exiled in Germany.

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