“Ten million euros and ten years” rings in your ears. That is how long it took to start building the Mosquée de Puteaux. It is still unfinished. Today we will explore the story of this mosque. It is a story of faith. It is also a story of delays and controversies.
The Mosquée de Puteaux has a history marked by challenges. Its construction has been slow. It has been plagued by financial issues. The inauguration was initially set for the end of summer. Then it was moved to autumn. After that, it was postponed to early 2022. As of now, there is no opening date.
Local Muslims have struggled to find places to worship. This is because the temporary structure that had been in use since 2012 was closed in June 2021. This tent stood in the shadow of the towers of La Défense.
The project has faced other hurdles. There was a proposed sale of the Mosquée de Puteaux to Morocco. Gérald Darmanin, the Minister of the Interior, blocked it. The association overseeing the mosque sought financial support from Morocco. They hoped it would complete the construction.
The proposed sale caused local controversy. Many Muslims opposed the plan. They cited a lack of transparency. They viewed it as interference from a foreign power. Despite the setbacks, the community remains determined to see the Mosquée de Puteaux completed. They envision it as a place of worship and a symbol of their presence in Puteaux.
Now I will tell you about another mosque. It is the Grande Mosquée de Paris. It stands as a testament to France’s relationship with its Muslim population. It is a unique story of recognition and also of some suspicion. The decision to build the Paris Mosque was significant.
The Paris Mosque honors the 70000 Muslim soldiers. They died for France during World War One. The French government decided to finance the construction of this mosque in 1920. It became the first mosque in France. The Paris Mosque was inaugurated in 1926. The French President and the Sultan of Morocco were present.
The Paris Mosque design was inspired by the El-Qaraouiyyin Mosque in Fes, Morocco. Its 33-meter minaret is a replica of the Zitouna Mosque in Tunisia. The mosque complex includes gardens. There are also rooms decorated with mosaics. You will find wood carvings and wrought iron from Morocco.
The Paris Mosque is not just a place of worship. It is also a place of study. It houses the Institut Musulman. It serves as an influential voice in French society. Inside the Paris Mosque, you can find an oriental restaurant. There is also a tea room and a hammam.