Although a dominantly Christian Country (Greek-Orthodox), Greece, does have a Muslim population within their borders. Starting in the year of 1453, was the fall of Constantinople, or modern day “Istanbul”, lead to Ottoman (Turkish) rule in Greece. Lasting around 400 years, the Greeks revolted against the Ottomans, gaining their independence. Yet, there is still influences of Turkish culture left in Greece, ranging from cuisine to religion.
The Muslim population makes up slightly over 1% of Greece, with Mosques located primarily in Thessaloniki and the island of Rhodes. Some Muslims converted to Christianity after the occupation ended, with the numbers of Muslims going from 6% in the 1920’s, down to over 1% today. Many Muslims in Greece reside in Thessaloniki and Rhodes due to their proximity to Turkey. While walking through the city of Thessaloniki, there are a few Mosques located in very well traveled areas, one of them being the Hamza Bey Mosque, just a block from downtown Thessaloniki. Although it is now a popular tourist attraction, active mosques still exist in Thessaloniki. The Yeni Mosque in Thessaloniki holds worship currently, as well as some other minor Mosques in the area. Despite being a minority, the Muslim community is still welcome in Greece and lives peacefully alongside the Greeks and Christians who reside within Greece.
Not all Muslims in Greece have Turkish origin, as Muslims from North Africa, Sudan, Iran (to name a few countries) also reside in Greece. Migrating to Greece starting in the early 20th century, these immigrants reside in communities such as Peristeri, in Athens. In fact, a Mosque was built in Athens in 2018 to accommodate the growing Muslim population. Athens is a more expat oriented city than Thessaloniki, and has more opportunities due to its larger size, hence its attractions to the Muslim foreigners (and foreigners in general too). While in Athens, the Muslim community has built Museums, Mosques, and Educational Centers for their own community, as well as others to educate themselves on Islam. Even though the Muslim community is not growing drastically, their presence is observed in Greece, and while in Athens, Thessaloniki, or Rhodes, it is worth touring a Museum or Mosque for exposure to Islam.
Greeks and Muslims live together peacefully within the boundaries on Greece, and cooperate daily. When in Greece, specifically Thessaloniki or Athens, take an afternoon to explore a new realm. One will be pleasantly surprised with the wonderful artwork, people, and culture that make up the Islamic community.
SKG.7 