Following successful pilot scheme, Cologne makes Friday call to prayer permanent

The German city of Cologne announced on Wednesday that the public broadcast of the Friday call to prayer via loudspeakers will continue indefinitely, following a successful two-year pilot program.

According to local media, the agreement with mosque administrations has been extended after confirming compliance with regulations during the trial period.

Since October 2022, the call to prayer has been broadcast under strict conditions, including a maximum duration of five minutes and sound levels comparable to church bells to avoid disturbing neighbors.

Cologne hosts prominent Turkish Islamic organizations, such as the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB) and Milli Görüş. It is home to a significant Muslim population, with DITIB overseeing around 900 mosques across Germany.

According to Cologne’s mayor, this initiative, first launched as part of a diversity-promoting agreement, underscores Cologne’s commitment to inclusivity within one of the largest Muslim communities in Germany.