The Open Society Institute Muslims in Europe report series constitutes the comparative analysis of data from 11 cities in seven European countries. It points out common trends and offers recommendations at the local, national, and international levels, including to the European Union and to international organizations. While not representative of the situation of all Muslims…
This article in Le Monde suggests that mosque construction – that of minarets in particular – is largely impaired in France because of financial constraints, and less to public opinion. Of the country’s 2000 mosques, only a minority have minarets. The Grand Mosque of Marseille, currently under construction, includes plans for a 25 meter-high minaret….
To celebrate Eid al-Kebir, the Union of Muslim Families (UFM or Union des familles Musulmanes) are organizing a large gathering in Marseille over two evenings. Films will be shown to the public, as well as traditional Algerian dancing, Arabic and Berber calligraphy workshop, as well as an art exhibit and story-telling. Last year the festivities…
Following the construction of several “mosque cathedrals” in France in recent years, which are expensive and complicated to build and maintain, recent developments suggest that smaller projects are perhaps more effective. These comments come in the wake of the large mosque in Marseille set to open in 2011.
Construction of the largest mosque in France is set to begin in Marseille. UMP mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin delivered the building permit; Marseille has approximately 200,000 Muslims, approximately one quarter of the population. The 8600 m2 lot was formerly an abattoir and will house the prayer hall, theological school, library, restaurant, bookstore and amphitheatre. The prayer…
