Paris Grand Mosque Marks 100 Years as Symbol of France’s Diversity

The Grand Mosque of Paris held anniversary prayers Friday to mark its 100th year. The mosque was constructed in 1926 to recognize Muslim troops from French colonies who fought and died for France in World War I. The rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris described the building as a symbol of interfaith dialogue and national diversity.

A hundred years ago, French authorities erected the mosque in the Latin Quarter to honor soldiers from African colonies who died in trenches including Verdun. The structure features a 33-meter minaret modeled on the Alhambra and sits near Notre Dame Cathedral.

The mosque includes a tea room, steam baths, and a carpeted prayer hall listed as a top tourist site by Paris City Hall. Most worshippers at Friday’s events traced their origins to former French colonies in Africa. Visitors arriving for the anniversary prayers included people from different regions around Paris, those born in France or those who came over the decades from Algeria, Senegal and beyond.

Islam is the second-largest religion in France, which has Western Europe’s largest Muslim population. The rector stated that political messages of inclusion have remained consistent since 1926, while attitudes among some residents have not. A volunteer at the mosque said restrictions on headscarves in schools and workplaces limit religious choices.

Other attendees focused on messages of tolerance during the anniversary events. The rector sees the mosque as a symbol of interfaith dialogue and France’s diversity but worries about religious tensions linked to conflicts in the Middle East and the polarizing campaign for next year’s presidential election.