The Grand Mosque of Paris commemorated its centennial, a structure built a century ago to honor Muslim soldiers from French colonial territories who died during World War I. The mosque stands as a prominent architectural and cultural landmark in the city’s Latin Quarter, attracting both worshippers and tourists with its ornate prayer room, tea room, and hammam facilities.
The mosque’s rector, Chems-eddine Hafiz, emphasized the institution’s role in promoting interfaith understanding and reflecting France’s religious and cultural diversity. He noted that the mosque was established with an explicit governmental commitment to honoring the contributions of Muslim soldiers and recognizing the strength of a pluralistic society. However, Hafiz also expressed concern about contemporary religious tensions, citing conflicts in the Middle East and the ongoing presidential campaign as factors affecting Muslim communities in France.
The institution carries significant historical weight. During World War II, the mosque’s imam at the time, Abdelkader Mesli, worked to shelter Jewish individuals and provide forged documents for their protection. Mesli was later deported to concentration camps but survived, though he died shortly after returning to France in poor health. His wartime activities were documented in notebooks discovered by his family in 2015.
France is home to Western Europe’s largest Muslim population, with Islam serving as the country’s second major religion. Nonetheless, Muslim residents report facing discrimination and restrictions, including limitations on religious dress in educational and workplace settings. Worshippers at Friday’s anniversary prayers came from diverse backgrounds, many tracing their heritage to former French colonies in Africa. Despite challenges, attendees stressed themes of solidarity and mutual respect during the centenary celebrations.
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