Erdogan's mosques in the Balkans

Just about everyone knows that there is more than one dimension to the name dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

There is the geopolitical tension between the West and Russia, but there is also the role of Turkey and its continued penetration in the Balkans - using religion as a way in - which should be of particular concern to Western powers.

The construction by Ankara of the Balkans' biggest mosque in downtown Tirana is the latest example of this approach by Turkey in the region.

The project is moving ahead fast and is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

The Namazgah Mosque aspires to be a major religious center that can host more than 5,000 people at a time, while also comprising a library, a cultural center and a conference hall. Apart from the Quran, people will also be taught the Turkish language....