The Eifel Tent City: Caliph Visits 50,000 Muslims in Germany
The Caliph is coming to the Eifel, and 50,000 believers are expected to attend: Currently, the construction of a massive tent city is underway. It is the largest Muslim gathering of its kind in Germany to date. t-online was on-site to witness the preparations.
Unprecedented in Germany, volunteers are working with the support of specialized firms to set up a tent city on a former Bundeswehr airfield for a multi-day meeting of approximately 50,000 Muslims. 220 tents are already set up or in the process of being erected, in addition to up to 1,000 private tents for families to stay overnight. The setup strictly separates individuals by gender.
The organizers estimate costs of around 6 million euros for the project in Mendig. They are hopeful that they have found a venue in the Eifel for future years until they can potentially purchase their own land. What kind of group dreams of Germany becoming Muslim while simultaneously preaching great loyalty to Germany and maintaining transparency? t-online took a look around the partially completed tent city.
Germany and Ahmadiyya flags wave
The occasion for the gathering: Once a year, believers come together for the annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. In Germany, this is an organized Muslim religious community recognized as a corporation under public law. It has a presence in 205 countries. The global leader is the fifth Caliph, Mirza Masrur Ahmad. He will deliver speeches over three days and open the convention, known as Jalsa Salana, by raising the Ahmadiyya flag and the German flag. According to its understanding, the assembly aims to spiritually enrich the believers and assist them in self-improvement. The first Jalsa Salana in Germany in 1976 had 70 participants in a mosque in Hamburg.
The location: People from all over Germany and neighboring countries will travel to the relatively central Mendig in the Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate). The site was formerly a Bundeswehr airfield and is now used as a discreet test area for developments in the automotive and motorsport industry, among other purposes. It has also served as a festival site: „Rock am Ring“ relocated here from the nearby Nürburgring in 2015 and 2016.
However, the Ahmadis have already utilized the site themselves: in 2017, the annual assembly of Ahmadiyya youth with 8,000 participants was held here. Ilyas Majok, the current Mendig organizer, told t-online, „There have certainly been good experiences with the authorities, but the requirements and conditions are entirely different given the scale now.“ An information session was held for the region’s residents. There were no Islamophobic or racist incidents, with concerns mainly focused on potential traffic issues. The organizers offer a shuttle service from the train station, but thousands of vehicles will also park on the airfield grounds.
The Muslims in Mendig: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat (AMJ) is considered a reliable contact by the German government. The community and its Caliph are committed to the separation of state and church. „When we talk about ‚Caliphate,‘ it is not about establishing a political state entity,“ says AMJ spokesperson Asif Malik. The call for a Caliphate in Germany made national headlines during an Islamist rally in Hamburg. However, such objectives of the Ahmadis are not known worldwide; their understanding of what a Caliphate entails is quite different: „We aim for purely spiritual and religious leadership; the Caliphate should promote the development of believers and strengthen peace and tolerance.“
Organizing a Cultural Exchange
Besides the religious aspects of the gathering, the event also serves as a cultural exchange platform. Attendees from various backgrounds and countries converge in Mendig to share their experiences, traditions, and values. The diversity within the Muslim community is showcased through different languages spoken, attire worn, and customs observed. This intermingling fosters mutual understanding and promotes unity among the participants.
The cultural exchange extends beyond the attendees to the local community in Mendig. As visitors explore the town and interact with residents, they contribute to the local economy through spending on accommodations, food, and souvenirs. This influx of visitors presents an opportunity for cultural enrichment and economic growth in the region.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s emphasis on tolerance and inclusivity is reflected in the organization of the event. By accommodating diverse needs and preferences, such as providing separate spaces for men and women, the community demonstrates its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all attendees. This approach not only promotes a sense of belonging among participants but also sets a positive example for fostering diversity and inclusion in society at large.
Moreover, the event offers a platform for dialogue and engagement with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Through open discussions and shared experiences, participants can gain insights into diverse perspectives and build bridges of understanding. This exchange of ideas and values contributes to the promotion of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among communities.
Promoting Peaceful Coexistence
The overarching theme of the gathering revolves around promoting peace, tolerance, and harmony among individuals and communities. Through spiritual teachings, social interactions, and communal prayers, participants are encouraged to embody values of compassion, empathy, and respect towards others. The messages delivered by the Caliph during the event emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of peace and understanding in society.
In a world marked by conflicts and divisions, the gathering serves as a beacon of hope for unity and solidarity. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds under a common purpose of spiritual enlightenment and social harmony, the event exemplifies the transformative power of faith in promoting peace and coexistence. Through shared experiences and collective prayers, participants forge bonds of friendship and solidarity that transcend boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, and creed.
In conclusion, the Eifel Tent City serves as a testament to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and unity among individuals of all backgrounds. The gathering not only provides a platform for spiritual enrichment and communal worship but also fosters cultural exchange, diversity, and inclusion. By embracing diversity and promoting peaceful coexistence, the event exemplifies the transformative potential of faith in building bridges of understanding and cooperation across communities. As the Caliph addresses the attendees and raises the flags of the Ahmadiyya and Germany, the message of unity and harmony resonates throughout the tent city, inspiring all to strive for a world where peace and compassion prevail.
