Paris Grand Mosque Marks 100th Anniversary

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.

The same statement noted concern over religious tensions tied to Middle East conflicts and the upcoming presidential campaign.

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.

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.