The Greek capital will soon have its first mosque after the country’s parliamentary committee approved legislation on Wednesday for its construction.
The Government’s legislation was approved after votes from PASOK, SYRIZA’s junior partners whilst Independent Greeks (ANEL) opposed the motion.
ANEL objected to the construction of the mosque citing its principles and the party’s established positions on the matter as did the far right group Golden Dawn.
The proposed Islamic, venue which will be built in an old naval base in the run-down neighbourhood of Votanikos, is a 1,000-square meter building without a minaret, split over two levels – will be able to accommodate about 350 worshippers.
In response to the growing demands and critical voices, Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras promised that he will build the city’s first mosque along with the first Muslim cemetery.
The construction of a mosque in the middle of Athens has been a contentious issue, understandably so given the history between Greece and its former Ottoman occupiers, hence most resistance coming from institutions such as the church and many nationalist groups.
Currently most Muslims living in Athens perform their religious duties in makeshift mosques set up in garages or abandoned warehouses.
Δεν ντρέπεστε!
And when we will be able to celebrate “the Divine Liturgy” in Agia Sohhia/
Meanwhile we Greek Orthodox are not able to celebrate “The Divine Liturgy” in Agia Sophia.
Paie ei Elatha malakes ahristie then ehoume na fame Kai tha kanoume harie sta zoa stouse ehthrouse pou missun to theo then mathate tipota apo tin Anglia malakes case to tous ellines na psifisoune ti theloune
Absolutely disgusting to say the least. Πρέπει να ντρεπόμαστε λίγο
That’s all Greece needs right now a mosque. Not jobs for the poor Greek people who can’t even pay their bills sms won many eat out of garbage cans. WAKE UP stop voting for these stupid traitors!!!! There won’t be a Greek country left!!!
Yeah well let the Greeks hold liturgy in Hagia Sophia then.
Greece is in debt and working citizens get their salary and retirement fund cut ….. but Greece can afford to build a mosque. Shame on you Tsipras…. shame on you syriza!!!
Also , I suggest we propose the muslims to build and Orthodox Church in Mecca …. would they ever allow this ????
Athens , Greece used to
Be the only Western European capital without a mosque . No more now . The socialist govt is building one with the poor man’s taxpayer money despite street protests and polls showing like 99 percent of ppl against
Athens , Greece used to
Be the only Western European capital without a mosque . No more now . The socialist govt is building one with the poor man’s taxpayer money despite street protests and polls showing like 99 percent of ppl against