LONDON/ISTANBUL

After the noon prayer at Jamia Usmania Mosque in the northern English city of Bradford, mostly elderly men gather on the lower floor to take part in a weekly Pilates class that offers physical activity and opportunities for socialization.

The participants, most of whom are retired, meet once a week in the mosque’s lower hall for 45-minute sessions that include squats, stretching, and balance exercises, followed by conversations over tea, fruit, and biscuits.

Due to strong demand, the number of participants has been capped, mosque officials said, adding that they received requests for similar programs from mosques across the United Kingdom as well as from Malaysia and Canada.

The Pilates classes, which initially launched with a limited number of participants, drew widespread attention after a video was shared on the mosque’s social media account.

Interest grew, participation increased, and the weekly sessions — attended by around 30 participant — have become a regular meeting point for members of the congregation.

Pilates classes for women also planned

With growing interest, organizers aim to add Pilates classes for women and establish social clubs for young people.

Officials say these activities are intended to make the mosque a more inclusive and accessible community hub for people of all ages, transforming it from a mere place of worship into a center that strengthens social solidarity.

*Writing by Kanyshai Butun