Turkish firm Karmod supplies illuminated polyethylene minarets to South African mosques

By Sibel Morrow

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish modular construction company Karmod has produced illuminated polyethylene minarets for newly built mosques in rural areas of Durban, South Africa, the company said Friday.

Karmod said 16 lighted plastic minarets had been shipped and installed at mosques constructed as part of a community development initiative in the region.

Talay Ozturk, General Manager of Karmod’s Composite Group, said the minarets offer a practical solution that eliminates on-site construction, particularly for rural and remote locations.

“Our polyethylene minaret model is manufactured as a single-body structure without welding or riveting, making it durable against UV rays and physical impact,” Ozturk said.

“The minaret is completed by assembling the balcony and finial set. It can be anchored easily to concrete or metal bases using mounting holes at the bottom,” he said.

Standing at a standard height of 4.5 meters, the minarets can be raised further with additional bases, he added.

Ozturk emphasized the cost-efficiency of the minarets, noting that they require no on-site labor.

“This makes the product a budget-friendly option for mosque projects. Its lightweight design allows for easy transportation and installation, and the food-safe raw material used in production ensures it is both environmentally friendly and safe for human health,” he said.

The 16 minarets were produced in just one week for a project by the International Knowledge and Perception Association (BILAL), which is active in mosque construction and outreach programs in South Africa. The units were shipped by sea to Durban Port and have already been installed in newly completed mosques in the Malugazi area.