Beneath this unassuming facade lies a story of faith. It is a story of community. I am talking about the Mosquée MARIAM in Marseille. This mosque is more than just a place of worship. It is a testament to the dedication of Marseille’s Muslim community.
Did you know that Mosquée MARIAM is one of only three mosques in France named after a woman? “Mariam” refers to the mother of the prophet Jesus. It also honors the women who have worked tirelessly for this center.
The Centre Musulman de Marseille or CMM founded the Mosquée MARIAM in 1993. The UOIF is behind the CMM. It is located in the 15th arrondissement. The CMM is a multifaceted complex. It includes a college and high school named Ibn Khaldoun. This refers to the famous Muslim jurist and sociologist. An Arabic language institute exists here. Islamic sciences and Quran learning are taught.
The Mosquée MARIAM itself can accommodate 800 worshippers. It has several floors. These are the basement, ground floor, and mezzanine. Donations from residents, merchants, and supporters across France built this. Two artisans from Tunisia and Morocco crafted the stucco ceiling.
The CMM wants to be a place of learning and spirituality. It also aspires to be a vibrant community hub. It is a place where all generations can come together. It promotes social interaction. Education and teaching are central to the mosque’s mission.
The Mosquée MARIAM generously serves the needs of Marseille’s Muslims. It offers religious services. But the Muslim center provides recreational and educational meetings too. Workshops are held here.
The CMM acquired a former maritime printing house in 1993. It was at 50 bd Viala. The first conferences were held at the CMM in 1994. 2002 saw the renovation of the mosque’s right wing. A larger mosque was built in the middle of the building in 2004. Building a new mosque in the building’s left wing started in 2009.
Demolition occurred of the buildings in the middle and at the back on the right side in 2011. Classrooms were built in the right wing in 2012. The facade was renovated in 2013. Decoration was added in the mosque. Construction of new buildings began in February 2015. These buildings will house associations and the Ibn Khaldoun college and high school. A mezzanine for women was added to the Mosquée MARIAM in 2019. The mosque first opened for the European Heritage Days in 2019.
As you stand here, consider the history. Consider the dedication that built the Mosquée MARIAM. It is a place of worship. It is a center for education. It is a symbol of community in Marseille.