Kobe Mosque

Kobe Mosque (神戸モスク), also known as Kobe Muslim Masjid (神戸ムスリムモスク), was founded in October 1935 in Kobe and is Japan's first mosque. It is situated in the Hyōgo Prefecture city of Kobe. Established in October 1935, it holds historical significance as a symbol of the early presence of Islam in Japan. Its construction was funded by donations collected by the Islamic Committee of Kobe from 1928 until its opening in 1935. The mosque was confiscated by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1943, survived airaids in n 1945, and withstood the Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995. It is located in the Kitano-cho foreign district of Kobe, one of the city's best-known tourist areas which features many old western style buildings.

The mosque was built in traditional Indo-Islamic style by the Czech architect Jan Josef Švagr (1885–1969), the architect of a number of Western religious buildings throughout Japan.

In addition to its architectural and historical significance, the mosque serves as a focal point for Japan's Muslim community. Over the years, it has become one of more than 113 mosques across Japan.

History
The Kobe Mosque's construction, initiated by the Islamic Committee of Kobe in 1928, overcame financial and logistical hurdles. Confiscated by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1943 during World War II, its restoration efforts epitomized resilience amidst wartime adversities, highlighting the community's commitment to their faith. Surviving the 1945 air raids largely unscathed, the Kobe Mosque emerged as a symbol of hope amidst devastation, showcasing its cultural and historical significance. Similarly, during the Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995, though damaged, the mosque stood as a pillar of strength, continuing to serve as a vital center for worship, community, and resilience for Kobe's Muslim community and beyond. Its endurance through these trials has earned it the moniker of the "Miracle Mosque."

Architecture
Constructed in 1935 by the Takenaka Corporation, the mosque has a reinforced concrete structure. Its architectural style is a fusion of traditional Asian-Turkish influences. Designed by renowned architect Jan Josef Švagr, the mosque features intricate patterns, domes, and minarets, symbolizing the cultural exchange between Japan and the Islamic world.

Located at 2 Nakayamate Douri, Chuo-Ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, the mosque spans three levels above ground and one underground level. Its roofing comprises a combination of flat roofs and domes with wooden structures and copper roofing. The walls are finished with exposed-aggregate, adding to the mosque's aesthetic appeal.

Community impact
The Kobe Mosque stands as a center for the local Muslim community in Kobe, Japan. Apart from being a place for worship, it participates in various outreach programs and cultural events, reaching out to engage with the broader community. Through initiatives such as interfaith dialogues, language classes, and community service projects, it promotes understanding and collaboration among people of different cultural and religious backgrounds.

Moreover, the presence of the Kobe Mosque contributes significantly to the multicultural identity of Kobe. It serves as a symbol of diversity and inclusivity, bringing together individuals from various cultural and religious backgrounds.