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The Cathedral Mosque of Paris has a large symbolic meaning for the French and Muslims living in France. The long history of negotiations for the construction of the first mosque in Paris reflects the difficult process by which the French overcame old antipathies and prejudices, which allowed them to recognize Muslims as full-fledged citizens of the country.
The first contact between the French and Muslims occurred at the beginning of the 8th century, when the army of Islam, moving from neighboring Spain, first occupied independent Aquitaine in 717, and then, two years later, Narbonne. The advance inland was halted in 732 during a battle known as the "Battle of the Cohort of Martyrs" or the "Battle of Poitiers". However, in 888, the Muslims managed to create their own small emirate in French Provence, which was called Jalal al-Hilal (known as Fraxinet in European literature), which existed for a little over 80 years and was destroyed during the Reconquista.
Despite such a long acquaintance, the idea of building a large prayer building for the Muslims of France arose only in the middle of the 19th century and was put into practice only in the first quarter of the 20th century. Now about everything in more detail.
The first projects for the construction of the mosque were proposed by the Moroccan embassy as early as 1842. Similar proposals were repeated in 1878 and 1885, but did not find a response from the French authorities. Then, in 1846, the Orientalist Society proposed to the government a project to build a mosque, first in Paris and then in Marseille. This proposal was dictated by an attempt to appease Algeria. Among other things, it was also pointed out that Muslims are much closer to Christians in their beliefs than Jews. However, this proposal was rejected by the Ministry of Justice, and the project was put on hold for 10 years.
In 1856, at the request of the embassy of the Ottoman Empire in the east of Paris, a small land plot of 800 square meters was allocated. meters for the burial of Muslim soldiers from the 85th division. A small building, called a mosque, was also built there, where grave goods were kept and prayers were read. This building was the first mosque in Paris. The first mosque in France was considered to be a similar building in the Turkish cemetery of Marseille, which was destroyed during the revolution. Over time, the building fell into disrepair and became unusable, and the Ottoman Empire decided to finance the restoration and expansion of the mosque.
In 1914, a new project of a mosque with a dome, a minaret and related buildings was proposed, but the First World War prevented its implementation.
Simultaneously with all these events, the French researcher, publicist, public figure and head of the African Society of France, Paul Bourdari, began active work on campaigning for the construction of a mosque in Paris. In his articles and private conversations with influential people, Bourdari explains that the issue of building a mosque is a kind of public gratitude to the tens of thousands of Muslims who fell on the battlefields defending France. He attracts to his work, which lasted more than twenty years, a whole galaxy of French political, religious and public figures, as well as some nobles, who provide significant support in designing, promoting the idea to power structures and building a mosque.
Finally, his labors were crowned with success, in August 1920, the French Government allocates 500,000 francs for the construction of a complex that combines a mosque, a library and a conference room under its roof. It was also determined that the Garden of Plants area would be the most suitable place for the construction of the mosque. It is worth noting that this is a unique case for France, since this decision of the government deviates from the principle of laicism, according to which religion is separated from the state. It should be noted that, besides Paul Bourdari, a special contribution to the foundation and construction of the mosque was made by its first imam Si Kaddour Bengabrit, the famous French Muslim figure, born in Algeria, who was a frequenter of Parisian salons and gained fame as “the most Parisian Muslim”.
The foundation stone of the future mosque was laid in 1922, and construction began in 1923. The author of the project was the French architect, artist and writer Maurice Tranchat de Lunel, who worked for many years in Morocco and made a significant contribution to the preservation of the cultural heritage of this country. The construction work itself was carried out by Robert Fournet, Maurice Mantoux and Charles Hube in accordance with the design of de Lunel.
In 1923, the interdepartmental commission for Muslim affairs begins to consider the project proposed by the Ottoman government in 1914, and comes to the conclusion that it is not advisable to restore the old mosque in the Ottoman cemetery, since construction work is already underway in the Garden of Plants area.
Thus, in 1926, the Cathedral Mosque with a 33-meter minaret appeared in the Jardin-de-Plantes (Garden of Plants) area of the 5th arrondissement of Paris. The building, made in the Mudéjar architectural style, characteristic of the buildings of Muslim Andalusia, was opened to visitors on July 15, 1926. The opening ceremony was attended by French President Gaston Doumergue and Sultan of Morocco Moulay Yusuf.
Si Kaddour Bengabrit - the first imam of the Paris Cathedral Mosque / Photo source: Bibliobs
When designing the Cathedral Mosque of Paris, de Lunel was inspired by two gems of Muslim architecture. The first is the Moroccan mosque of Al-Karaouine, founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 859, which is considered the oldest spiritual and educational center of the Islamic world. The second is the oldest mosque in Tunisia, al-Zaytuna, the splendor of which served as a source of inspiration for the construction of subsequent mosques, including the famous Grand Mosque Cordoba. Above interior decoration the Parisian mosque was worked by craftsmen from North Africa.
The building itself is located on an area of 7500 square meters. meters. In addition to the mosque, there is also a library, a madrasah, a conference hall, a restaurant, a hammam teahouse and shops. Almost half of the territory is occupied by gardens. The mosque can accommodate up to 1000 people, there are separate halls for men and women, a room for ablution, special entrances for people with disabilities are equipped. The mosque has a Muslim institute, which is also authorized to issue halal certificates. Since 1983, the building has been a historical monument, and also has a special status of "Heritage of the Twentieth Century".
Interesting Facts
· During the Second World War, the Cathedral Mosque of Paris was the center of the participation of French Muslims in the Resistance movement, which fought against the Nazi occupiers. The film "Free Men" by the French-Moroccan director Ismael Ferrouhi was made about this, starring Tahar Rahim and Michael Lonsdale.
· According to various sources, during the war, from 500 to 1600 Jews found refuge here, who, in addition to food and shelter, were provided with certificates indicating their Muslim origin.
· After the death of the last Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abdulmecid II in 1944, when Turkey refused to accept his body, it was buried for 10 years at the Cathedral Mosque of Paris. In 1954 the body was sent to Medina and reburied.
· So far, 6 imams have changed in the mosque. Beginning with the third imam, Hamza Bubaker, all imams bear the title of rector.
· In the appointment of the imams of this mosque, the leading role belongs to the government of Algeria, which also finances a third of the budget.
The entrance porch of the mosque, with its light oak door studded with bronze, is decorated with eucalyptus and coral wood. The mosque is open for visits not only by Muslims, but also by tourists every day, except for the time of prayer and the Friday sermon. For tourists and lovers of Arabian exoticism, the mosque operates the restaurant "At the Gates of the East", where you can taste traditional Algerian and Moroccan dishes.
Bulat Nogmanov
Contacts
Address: 2bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite, 75005 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 45 35 97 33
Opening hours: from 11:00 to 19:00
Official site: www.mosqueedeparis.net
How to get there
Metro: Station Place Censier - Daubenton, Monge
Paris is an amazing city with a temperate climate, hospitable people and a romantic atmosphere. The unique sights of the French capital attract many tourists every year.
Each of them can find entertainment to their liking, because there are incomparable restaurant-museums, interesting cultural monuments, and countless souvenirs.
Particular attention among all these Parisian values is occupied by cathedrals and temples, with which the city is generously filled. They represent different eras and cultures, so they are able to interest a wide variety of tourists. Let's talk in more detail about one of these sacred structures.
Cathedral Mosque in Paris
Story Parisian Cathedral Mosque (Grande Mosquée de Paris) began after the First World War. The temple was founded in honor of the Muslims who bravely defended France during the battles against the Nazi troops.
An interesting fact is that the first project of the temple was developed at the end of the 19th century, but did not receive approval. After almost half a hundred years, the plan was changed and the local authorities provided the territory of the Hospital of Mercy for development. the beginning
Construction is considered to be 1922, when the first stone of the future mosque was laid. However, the official opening of the Muslim church took place in 1926 with the participation of the Sultan of Morocco (at that time the power was in the hands of Moulay Yusuf) and the President of the French Republic, Doumerga.
The architecture of the building was carried out by several professionals: Ebes, Fournet and Matouf, who managed to create a beautiful religious building in the late modern style. By the way, to this day, the Cathedral Mosque is one of the best examples of the embodiment of this style in life. The responsible and creative approach of the developers was felt in every element of the building. Thus, the design of the prayer hall was distinguished by its North African style, and each of the domes of the temple was individualized with a special decoration. In general, the mosque turned out in the style of Spanish-Moorish medieval architecture.
During the Second World War, they hid in the building of the mosque Jewish families from being shot. Also, the temple was a transshipment base and a refuge for most of the warring Muslims.
Paris Cathedral Mosque today
On present stage Development The Cathedral Mosque is the largest Muslim temple in France. The height of its minaret reaches 33 meters. The head (mufti) of this mosque is now Dalil Bubaker. This is one of the most respected figures who defends the rights of Muslims in France. 
The structure of the temple includes:
- musalla (chapel)
- library
- hamam (turkish bath)
- tea room
- school
- conference room
- souvenir shops
- restaurant.
In each of these divisions, you can feel the good nature and hospitality of the Muslim peoples, as well as get acquainted with their amazing culture. So, for example, in the tea room, everyone can taste traditional tea infused with fragrant mint and incomparable oriental sweets, and in the shop you can buy Muslim items and souvenirs.
A special advantage of the mosque is a spacious courtyard with a beautiful design of the facade. Minutes here can certainly be compared with a journey through the Garden of Eden with lots of greenery and a beautiful large fountain.
Temple opening hours daily from 11:00 to 19:00. The exception is Friday, as well as religious Muslim holidays. Sacred premises are considered inaccessible for tourists' excursions.
More detailed information about the opening hours and rules for accepting tourists to the mosque can be found:
- on official website: www.mosqueedeparis.net
- By telephone: +33 01-45-35-97-33.
Where is it located and how to get to the cathedral
The Cathedral Mosque is located in the fifth arrondissement of the French capital, a few kilometers away, near Puy de l'Hermite Square. The exact address : 5 Place du Puits de l'Ermite, 75005 Paris, France. When looking for a mosque, you can also focus on the adjacent streets of Muftar and Monge.
Get to the Muslim Temple Can Metro. Get off at the station:
- Place Censier-Daubenton,
- Monge.
Cathedral Mosque on the map of Paris:
