It is often stated to be the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere, occupying less than two-thirds of a hectare in a 10 ha (25-acre) site.

Ali Katırcıoğlu, a Turkish businessman, planned to build Ottoman-styled architecture in places where it was absent.

Failing to acquire a suitable location in the United States, the project was moved to South Africa.

[4] The name of the mosque was inspired by the 11th century Nizamiye Madrasahs, a higher education institution system used in Baghdad and other parts of the Islamic world.

[5] The school's curriculum offers Islamic studies which are incorporated in the South African secular education syllabus.

The school is open to the general public, but advises that scholars observe Islam due to its curriculum.

Nizamiye Clinic offers health care services in 10 different areas for those without the need for an overnight stay.

[1][7] Ali Katircioglu, financier of the Nizamiye complex, added the clinic to the property on the request of Nelson Mandela.