Ready to uncover a place where history echoes through peaceful coexistence? Here at the Centro Culturale Islamico del Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trieste’s story intertwines with Islam. Trieste has always been a crossroads of cultures. It lends itself to being a model of integration. The Islamic community’s presence here dates back to 1719. Economic relations blossomed between Habsburg countries and the Ottoman Empire.
Let’s rewind to 1857. The census registered a thriving Turkish community in Trieste. Even earlier, in 1847, the Ottoman cemetery on Via della Pace marked their presence. Today, over 6000 Muslims call Trieste and its province home. The community is still growing.
Now let’s explore the center’s origins. Students from Arab countries founded the Islamic Cultural Center in 1988. Its first location was on Via Ireneo della Croce. It started with just a few dozen members. The community quickly outgrew this space.
In 2002, the center moved to Via Pascoli 45. Within ten years, membership exceeded 300. This led to an expansion of the building. By 2014, it could hold 500 people. Still, more space was needed. A search began for a new, central location.
October 2015 marked a turning point. The center purchased this building on Via Maiolica 17. The period building required extensive renovations. Seven months later, the prayer room opened on the ground floor. Work continued on the upper levels. Today, this mosque can accommodate up to 700 worshippers.
The Centro Culturale Islamico strives to promote understanding of Islamic faith and culture. It collaborates with various associations and religions. This enhances relationships between different faiths. Anyone can become a member. This includes Muslims and non-Muslims, Italians and foreign citizens. The center operates autonomously. It supports justice, peace, and the welfare of humanity.
Beyond daily prayers, the center offers various services. It hosts Arabic language and Islamic religion courses. These courses are open to all. Local schools are invited to explore religious and geopolitical issues. The center also provides guidance to students writing theses. It collaborates with the University of Trieste.
During Ramadan, the center remains open day and night. Every evening at sunset, it offers a meal to all participants. This usually involves 150 to 200 people. The center has also established a solidarity network for the disadvantaged.
Here at Via Maiolica 17, you’ll find the Moschea Ar-Rayan. It is the heart of religious devotion. You’ll also find the Associazione Culturale Islamica di Trieste e del FVG. This promotes social integration. Akram Omar leads both entities. His daughter, Nurah Omar, serves as vice president of the Cultural Association.
The center provides Italian language courses for new residents. The center organizes school visits. The center collaborates with the University. All these services are offered at affordable prices. The Centro Culturale Islamico also extends a helping hand to asylum seekers. It works with other associations to provide support.