Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Making the most of a mosque
Worshippers welcome visits from hundreds
An open day at Canterbury Mosque passed blissfully trouble-free after far right demonstrators chose to stay away.
Hundreds of people visited the religious building in Giles Lane on Sunday, a year after Britain First protestors marred the inaugural event.
Organiser and Muslim cultural centre president Ihsan Khan welcomed the crowds, saying afterwards: “Thankfully, there was no repetition of last year’s protest and I think if we all put aside our differences and unite our similarities, we can make Canterbury, if not the world, a better place.
“We are not terrorists but proud British Muslims who are law-abiding and want to live peacefully alongside everyone else.”
Visitors to the mosque enjoyed tours, witnessed prayer meetings, tried on hijabs and had henna tattoos.
Mr Khan, a third year biomedical student at the University of Kent, said: “We would like to thank all those who attended our open day from the bottom of our hearts.
“It was an honour having so many people turn up and show their support. I hope everyone felt welcomed with open arms and enjoyed the tours and stalls.
“If anyone wants to come down at anytime for any questions that weren’t answered just knock on the door and there will always be someone willing to help.”