HISTORY
Dealing with difficult political and economic conditions, Zeynebiye Movement flourished under the leadership of the leader of Turkish Jaʿfari Shia, Selahattin Ozgunduz and with the great support of the late Sheikh Hamit Turan in Istanbul, the meeting point between Asia and Europe.
Zeynebiye Mosque, which was built in a modest form in 1978, became the center of this movement. The mosque was named after Zainab(S.A.), who delivered a sermon to the Muslim Ummah with a strong determination about the sacrifice of Imam Hussain(A.Ss.) and his peaceful resistance in Karbala and for the revival of Islam.
Zeynebiye Community, which has been based on the motto of "national unity and solidarity" for Turkey and the motto of "unity" for Islam, has worshiped in this mosque during 21 years and by growing over the years, it has managed to become an exemplary society. Having played an important role in the recognition of the school of Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.) both in Istanbul and Turkey and even in the world, it has also taken the lead in the construction of dozens of mosques throughout the country.
No matter wherever it happens, Zeynebiye Movement does not keep quiet about the persecution of Muslims and carries those oppressions with a great efficiency in Turkey's agenda; it is also an Islamic movement which is appreciated by its activities that instill Islamic and human consciousness in society.
As well as the contributions to social development, it organizes The Universal Ashura Ceremony with the participation of hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life. This ceremony has been accepted by UNESCO as "The Most Qualified Ashura Program".
After the Marmara earthquake on August 17, 1999, the original construction of Zeynebiye Mosque was heavily damaged and it was inevitably moved to a temporary land right next to the mosque which is currently in use.
Instead of the mosque which had been damaged after the earthquake, the construction of a new and larger mosque started in 2009. This complex with an area of 70,000 square meters has been planned to possess some useful buildings, such as the place of worship for about ten thousand people, a conference hall, some charity rooms and some multi-purpose meeting rooms, a radio-TV center, a guest house and some social sectors.
The cost of the construction of this magnificent complex which is supposed to be inherited to the world, has been mainly provided by our self-sacrificing and generous people.