Neeli Masjid (Rochdale)

Neeli Mosque & Islamic Centre (commonly "Neeli Masjid", where Neeli means "blue") first opened its doors in 1969 to serve the growing Muslim community in Rochdale. It operates as a branch of the United Kingdom Islamic Mission (UKIM), a national charity (Registered Charity No. 250275). The mosque sits at 25-27 Hare Street in the Milkstone/Deeplish area of Rochdale.

The mosque is best known for its distinctive architecture. The present building, completed in 2004, features a translucent blue dome and minaret whose design was inspired by the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul, Turkey — the source of its "Neeli" (blue) name and its local nickname, the "blue mosque". The centre is arranged over three floors, each with a main prayer hall.

From its earliest days the mosque placed strong emphasis on education and established a madrassah, which over the decades has taught thousands of local boys and girls. Today the madrassah serves around 150 children studying Qur'an, Hifz, Urdu and Islamic studies, with classes running Monday to Thursday afternoons. Beyond teaching, the mosque runs speech and recitation competitions, charitable collections (including support for the Rochdale Foodbank), and wider community activities as part of UKIM's mission of worship, education and community service.