Europe’s first eco-Masjid opens

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has officially opened Europe’s first eco-mosque in Cambridge, east of England.

The masjid is equipped with solar panels, relies on green energy and aims for a zero-carbon footprint.

It first opened to the public in April.

Speaking Erdogan said the mosque will be the best answer to the rising anti-Islamism.

“”I believe this mosque, which has become the symbol of solidarity against discrimination from the first moment, will, God willing, continue to be the center of unity, conversation and peace in the future,” he added.

British Muslim singer Yusuf Islam is among the patrons of the mosque and arrived for the inauguration ceremony earlier on Thursday.

Several other donors contributed to the mosque’s development, including the Turkish government and Qatar National Fund.

According to the mosque’s website, its design was inspired by both Islamic and English religious architectural traditions.