Didn’t King Baudouin gift this building to Saudi Arabia? It happened in 1967. We are standing before the Great Mosque of Brussels. It has a fascinating history. It began as something quite different.
Originally, this site was the Oriental Pavilion. It was part of the Brussels International Exposition of 1897. Architect Ernest Van Humbeeck designed it in a neo-Moorish style. The pavilion showcased a monumental painting. It was called “Panorama of Cairo.” Emile Wauters created this artwork. It was a major attraction.
After the exposition, the pavilion’s popularity waned. The building fell into disrepair. By 1963, it closed completely.
King Baudouin offered the building to King Faisal of Saudi Arabia in 1967. This was part of negotiations for oil contracts. The agreement included a 99-year rent-free lease. The building transformed into a mosque for Muslim immigrants. Many came from Morocco and Turkey.
Saudi Arabia financed the reconstruction. Tunisian architect Mongi Boubaker oversaw the project. The mosque was inaugurated in 1978.
The Great Mosque of Brussels became a leading religious institution. It served as a bridge between the Saudi and Belgian monarchies. It became popular for converts to Islam. Thousands of Muslim students have studied here.
The mosque’s organisation has faced criticism. Some considered it outdated. Control of the mosque shifted over time. In 2018, Saudi Arabia relinquished control. The Muslim Executive of Belgium took over.
The Great Mosque of Brussels has faced controversies. Some accused it of promoting extremism. Despite these challenges, the mosque aimed to promote an inclusive vision of Islam.
In the vicinity, a monument depicted Belgian military heroism. It mentioned an Arab slave trader. Complaints led to the removal of the mention in 1988.
The Great Mosque of Brussels stands as a testament to cultural exchange. It reflects evolving religious dynamics. It started as a pavilion and became a significant place of worship. Its story is a complex part of Brussels’ history.