Athens is currently the only European capital that has no mosque open for prayings but this seems to change in the upcoming months after overcoming a set of challanges. Muslim in Greece who have to rent apartments to use as mosques for Friday prayers are now excited to have a regular mosque in an ancient city which is considered as the backbone of western civilization.
After years Muslims’ demand a mosque in Athens fell into deaf ears in Greek administration, finally Greek parliament issued and approval building of a mosque two years ago. Financial problems combined with severe reaction of far right groups prevented construction project to be kicked off. Delayed several times the bid or the mosque was accepted three months ago and the construction has begun.
Athens’s fist mosque will be in a military facility in Votanikos district and after the projects finalizes a road will be built. The estimated cost is 950 thousand euro. The important point that should not be ignored is that the mosque will not have a minaret which in many places represents a sign of Islam.
Ottoman mosques were ignored
On the other hand there are numerous Ottoman mosques in Athens. One of the most protected is Cizdaraki Mosque. Many of other mosques were turned to serve as museums. Built in 18th century by the local governor in Athens, Cizdaraki Agha has been used for different pusposes from storage to barracks. Another Ottoman mosque at the center of Greek capital is Fethiye Mosque which was constructed after Fatih the Conqueror paid a visit to the ancient city is today used as a storage for historical artifacts. Turkey deployed his demand to restore the mosque which is the oldest Ottoman piece in Athens, but the process is still going on. Along with Cizdereki and Fethiye one more mosque was also standing however today only ruins of Küçük Mosque is found in Plaka district.