Prayers echo in this modern structure. It is the Mosque of Athens. This is Athens’ first official mosque since the Greek War of Independence. For many years Athens was the only European capital without a mosque.
Let’s delve into the story of the Mosque of Athens. Its construction faced opposition. The Greek Orthodox Church and civil protests marked its path. The Mosque of Athens represents a significant step. It acknowledges the growing Muslim population in Athens.
The Mosque of Athens stands in the Votanikos neighborhood. It is a testament to persistence and religious diversity. There are older mosques in Athens. The Tzistarakis Mosque and the Fethiye Mosque exist. However, they function as archaeological monuments. They are not active places of worship.
Until 2014 religious freedom had limitations. Only Orthodox Christianity, Judaism and Islam in some regions could legally open places of worship. Despite this more than one hundred makeshift mosques appeared near Athens. As of November 2020 the government permitted ten to remain open. The others faced relocation or closure.
The Greek Parliament first considered a mosque in Athens in 1890. In 1970 Arab countries offered funding. However, neither the law nor the proposal materialized. Increased immigration made it more urgent. About 200000 Muslims live in Athens. Many are Pakistani. Until recently there was no official mosque building.
The first attempt to build a mosque dates back to 2000. The plan was to build it in Paiania. Saudi Arabia would finance it. The Church and locals reacted strongly. The project stalled. In 2006 the effort resumed. The Greek state would finance the construction. It would also control the mosque and appoint its imam.
Judicial actions repeatedly delayed the project. Various groups took action. They went to the Council of State. Four public tenders received no interest from contractors. Finally a consortium of Greek construction firms took on the project. These firms were J and P ABAX TERNA AKTOR and Intrakat.
The construction contract was signed on October 10 2016. Police had to clear the location. Far-right protesters occupied it. Construction began on November 4. The Hellenic Navy handed over the site. It had a total surface of 17 stremmata. Existing structures were torn down. A new complex was planned. It included a parking space and a playground.
The Mosque of Athens has an area of 1000 square meters. It includes two worship areas. One for men accommodates 500 people. The other for women accommodates 50. Notably the mosque does not have a minaret. The Greek state financed the mosque. There was no outside financial support. It is the only mosque in a European capital built solely with government funds. The budget was 887000 euros.
The Mosque of Athens opened on November 3 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays. Zaki Mohammed is its first and current imam.
The Mosque of Athens stands as a symbol. It shows Athens embracing its diverse religious communities. It is a place of worship. It is a testament to a long and challenging journey.