A Call with Wisdom and Beauty
The Holy Qur’an reminds us in Surah 16:125:
“Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.”
At Auburn Gallipoli Mosque, we take this verse to heart, welcoming between 7,000–10,000 visitors, opening our doors not only as a place of worship but also as a bridge between cultures, traditions, and faiths. Our unique Ottoman Turkish architecture, intricate artwork, and rich Islamic heritage have made the mosque a must-visit destination for schools, universities, community groups, and curious individuals from across Australia and even beyond.
Every Day is an Open Day
We uphold our motto “every day is an open day”, offering tours seven days a week. Whether through formal requests via email or phone, or simple walk-ins, visitors are always greeted with warmth and hospitality. Groups have joined us from as far south as Tasmania, as far north as Queensland, and even from Christmas Island.
For us, these tours are more than just casual visits. They are opportunities to share the beauty of Islam and to answer the important question we will all be asked one day: “O, My servant, what have you done for Me?” Our hope is to respond, “O Allah, we invited all those willing to listen to Your religion with wisdom and beautiful preaching.”
What Visitors Experience
Tours typically last around an hour but remain flexible depending on the group’s needs. The journey begins in the front courtyard with an introduction to the mosque’s history, cultural background, and its significance in the Muslim community.
From there, visitors explore:
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The Fountain Ablution Area – learning about the rituals of purification before prayer.
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The Playground & Aged Care Facility – reflecting the mosque’s role as a hub of community life.
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Inside the Prayer Hall – where the true awe begins.
The grandeur of the dome, the arches, the calligraphy, and Ottoman-inspired artwork leave many speechless. During the tour, guides explain Islamic beliefs and practices such as modesty, prayer, monotheism, hygiene, and gender segregation, all in an open and welcoming environment. Visitors are encouraged to ask any questions—nothing is off limits.
As we often remind guests: just as one would go to a baker to learn how to bake bread, it is always best to seek understanding of Islam directly from Muslims themselves.
Changing Perceptions
Some of our non-Muslim visitors arrive with concerns or misconceptions about the faith which may be shaped by negative media portrayals, past experiences or just never had the opportunity to speak to a muslim. Yet, time and again, they leave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Islam and the openness of its people.
This transformation is one of the most rewarding outcomes of our tours, reminding us that small acts of sharing can bring about profound change.
Growing Interest
In July 2025 alone, Auburn Gallipoli Mosque hosted 10 tours with 350 visitors. May remains the busiest month, welcoming over 1,400 guests, while other months such as June, August, and November each attract more than 600 visitors.
These numbers highlight not just the mosque’s popularity but also the growing curiosity and desire for genuine interfaith understanding in Australia. We continue our efforts to encourage harmony and shared understanding of Islam and the way we value our community.
