AQR explores cooperation capacities with Islamic centers in the Netherlands

Deputy for International Affairs at Astan Quds Razavi (AQR) highlights opportunities for Shia centers in the Netherlands to benefit from educational and cultural services of Imam Reza Shrine.

News ID: ۸۰

Date: ۳۰ اسفند ۲۰۲۵ - ۱۰:۴۰

AQR’s Deputy for International Affairs met with Dr. Mohammad Alkon, Friday prayer leader of the Fourteen Infallibles Mosque and Islamic Center in The Hague, to discuss cooperation opportunities with Shia centers in the Netherlands.
In the meeting, Hoj. Mostafa Faghih Esfandiari emphasized that Shia scientific, cultural, and Islamic centers in the Netherlands can benefit from services offered by Imam Reza Shrine. “These include hosting pilgrimage caravans, study opportunities in seminaries and affiliated Islamic universities, virtual education, remote pilgrimage, and joint cultural programs”.
Hoj. Faghih Esfandiari underlined the scientific and educational capacities of Astan Quds Razavi, stressing: “Such collaborations can strengthen ties with Shia communities abroad and provide them with access to spiritual and academic resources”.
For his part, Dr. Mohammad Alkon, who is recognized as the first Shia missionary in the Netherlands, presented a report on the social and religious conditions of Shia communities in the Netherlands and pointed to the capacities of Iranian residents in the country. He called for expanded cooperation and mutual support.
Dr. Alkon, originally from Turkey, studied under Imam Khomeini and Ayat. Khoei in the seminary of Najaf. He established the first Shia mosque in the Netherlands and has since served as representative of Imam Khomeini and later of Ayat. Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. Over the years, he has founded and managed several Shia mosques and cultural centers in the country, contributing to the growth of religious activities among Shia communities.