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A home for worship, learning and community in Newcastle
MEC Foundation UK is a registered charity based at 35 Grainger Park Road in Newcastle. From our centre we run Kotku Mosque, accommodation for students, a weekend school for children, and a year-round programme of talks, classes and community events. Our doors are open to everyone.
Our home at 35 Grainger Park Road
Our centre occupies a Victorian house once known as The Quarries. It was already standing in the mid-1890s, when Ordnance Survey mapped this part of Benwell — at that time a district where many of Newcastle’s merchants and industrialists built large family homes.
The house later became a place of learning. Until October 1997 it was home to Grainger Grammar School, an independent school for boys and girls aged 7 to 16. Today, well over a century after it was built, it is once again a place where people come to learn and grow — now as the home of a new community.
Our story
In 1999, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Mahmud Es’ad Coşan, members of Newcastle’s Turkish community came together to found the Turkish Community Association and Kotku Mosque. From the start, the Association set out to serve the whole community, not only those who came to pray. In its early years its work included a weekend school for children, seminars, computer and cooking courses, advice on immigration matters, practical support for people in need, and a mosque and meeting space open to all.
As the community grew, so did the charity. In 2014 its work moved into a new charitable company, and in 2019 it took the name MEC Foundation UK. Many of the activities that began in those early years continue today, in new and expanded forms.
What we do today
Kotku Mosque
Kotku Mosque is the heart of our centre. Daily prayers and Friday prayers are held here, and our imam leads Qur’an and tajweed classes for children, young people and adults. Visitors of all faiths and none are warmly welcome.
Student accommodation
Our building also provides 23 rooms of accommodation for students studying in Newcastle. Residents enjoy a quiet, settled place to live while they study, as part of a friendly and supportive community.
Weekend school
Our weekend school helps children learn Turkish, explore their faith, values and ethics, and enjoy arts, drama and social activities alongside their friends. Lessons take place in the mosque and in two classrooms in our grounds.
Talks, classes and community events
Throughout the year we host regular talks, seminars and classes for adults, as well as community gatherings that bring people of all backgrounds together — from open days to shared iftar meals during Ramadan.
Services
Our imam is here for life’s important moments: Nikah (Islamic marriage) ceremonies, guidance on Janazah (funeral) arrangements, and support for anyone embracing Islam.
Open days and charity bazaars
Schools, groups and anyone who is curious are welcome at our open days. Through the year we also hold family fun days and charity bazaars (kermes) to raise funds for our work.
You are welcome here
Whether you are looking for a place to pray, a school for your children, a home while you study, or simply a friendly community, you are welcome at 35 Grainger Park Road. We would be glad to meet you.