From the solemn opening of the Albanian Mosque in Tafers – Friburg
Sunday, November 9, 2025 – 6:57 p.m.
On November 2, 2025, in Tafers, in the canton of Fribourg, the solemn opening ceremony of the Albanian Mosque was held, an event that went beyond the limits of a simple religious inauguration to become a symbol of coexistence, respect and intercultural dignity.
The president of the mosque, Mr. Bedrudin Saduloski, interviewed by the journalist of Albinfo.ch, Ms. Luljeta Ademi
On this day full of emotion, light and reflection, we strongly felt that the construction of this mosque was not just the building of walls, but the creation of a spiritual space uniting faith with culture, roots with integration, and the Albanian community with Swiss society.
The event, organized by the Albanian Islamic Cultural Community of Fribourg, was distinguished by exemplary harmony in every detail. The program was moderated with perfect articulation and diction, both in Albanian and German, by presenter Nadire Mustafi, researcher at the University of Fribourg, who gave the ceremony a solemn and inclusive tone.
The welcoming atmosphere was felt from the entrance: the new mosque, with its modern architecture and natural light, felt more like a contemporary spiritual and cultural center, where every space had been designed to serve the community from the prayer room to the library, from the children’s corner to the educational rooms and the restaurant on the ground floor, where a traditional Albanian meal, lovingly prepared by the women of the mosque, was served after the ceremony. The scent of byrek and pastries from the native country brought everyone together in a family feeling that transcended languages and cultures.
Mr. Jean-François Steiert, President of the Council of State and Director of Territorial Development, Infrastructure and Environment of the canton of Friborg
The participants were numerous and diverse: representatives of Swiss institutions, religious communities, academic circles, imams, theologians, athletes and citizens from all over Switzerland. Among them, Jean-François Steiert, President of the Council of State and Director of Territorial Development, Infrastructure and Environment of the canton of Fribourg, gave a warm and thoughtful speech on interreligious coexistence:
“Building a house of God always requires patience and dedication. This mosque is much more than a building, it is a center of union where faith, culture and community live in harmony. Friborg is a diverse canton, not only by its multilingualism, but also by its rich religious mosaic. All religions, whatever their form, share the same essence: humility, respect for life and the desire to do good. This mosque is the symbol of this spirit.”
The president of the mosque, Mr. Bedrudin Saduloski
In his speech, the president of the mosque, Bedrudin Saduloski, stressed that this project was the fruit of collective and lasting work:
“Today we are not just inaugurating a building, but a house of faith and coexistence. This mosque is the result of hundreds of hours of volunteer work, patience and dedication of several generations who have built a spiritual home for the future.”
Hfz. Liridon Ziberi, imam of the mosque
The imam of the mosque, Hfz. Liridon Ziberi, expressed at the end of his speech a deep gratitude to all those who made the construction of this collective work possible. He spoke with respect of the first founders of the Albanian mosque of Fribourg, who, 29 years ago, had laid the first stones of this community:
“Our thanks go to all the donors, to the former leadership which initiated this path, as well as to the current one, which brought this great project to fruition. Special recognition goes to those dedicated men who, almost three decades ago, founded the first Albanian mosque in Freiburg – the origin of everything we celebrate today.”
Ms. Mualja Medziti, theologian
One of the most moving moments was the speech of theologian Mualja Medziti, who, with deep spiritual sensitivity, spoke of the efforts of women throughout this journey:
“This mosque is proof that after every difficulty, God brings light and mercy. Here the voice of the Quran will be heard, and generations will grow up with knowledge and morality. Women are the pillar of all spiritual construction, because it is in the hands of mothers that the education of generations begins.”
For his part, Mirhat Medziti, project engineer and secretary of the mosque, recalled with emotion that it all started with the dream of five Albanians in Fribourg, who, since 1996, wanted to create a space where the Albanian faith, language and culture would be preserved.
“Today this dream has come true and it represents a symbol of peace, unity and our identity.”
Sherif Tupani, former president of the mosque and initiator of the purchase of the building
A warm moment was also the speech of Sherif Tupani, former president and initiator of the acquisition of the building:
“Today is a proud day for all of us. This work was built on the foundations of kindness and dedication. Let us preserve this spirit of brotherhood that has united us because this is how Islam teaches us: to be together, united and supportive at every stage of life.”
Imam Fehim ef. Abazi, vice-president of the Albanian Muslim Community of Switzerland
At the end of the ceremony, Imam Fehim ef. Abazi, on behalf of the Albanian Muslim Community of Switzerland, thanked the Swiss authorities for their support and understanding:
“This mosque is not only a place of prayer, but also a center of education and solidarity. We honor Switzerland’s hospitality through honest work and deep respect for the law. May God bless this country and the Albanian people.”
Jakup Mexhiti, one of the oldest members of the mosque
Participants from North Macedonia and Kosovo shared their emotions on this historic day. Jakup Mexhiti from Skopje said with emotion:
“It is not just a mosque, but a center of unity for Albanians, a place where everyone feels at home.”
As for the faithful Milaim Derguti, who came from Kosovo, he added:
“After five years of construction, today we have our house of prayer, just a few meters from our homes. It is a unique feeling that words cannot describe.”
Nadire Mustafi, researcher at the University of Fribourg, moderated the event
The ceremony concluded in a festive atmosphere, where the women of the community prepared a traditional aperitif, transforming the end of the day into a warm celebration of friendship and solidarity. On each face was the quiet pride of a community which, between two cultures, builds bridges and not walls.
The Albanian Mosque of Tafers is now much more than a place of prayer, it is a meeting point of cultures, a space where the light of faith and knowledge nourishes coexistence, where Albanian roots find their place in the hospitable land of Switzerland. It is the testimony of a new chapter in Albanian-Swiss history: a bridge between identity and integration, between spirit and community.
📸 The photographs of the ceremony were taken by the master of photography Romir Imami. Ladiety galerie of the envia hyenment is hyic: Galrier and hapjesies are sing Fribourguut
