A living testament to Muslim contributions to French history

The Grand Mosque, located in the historic Latin Quarter of Paris, will celebrate its centenary in 2026. Over the past 100 years, it has become known not only as a religious structure, but also as an important symbol of Muslim contributions to French history, the memory of World War I, cultural diversity, and social relations.

The construction of the Grand Mosque was initiated after World War I (1914-1918). Muslim soldiers from various regions fought for France in that war. These soldiers, who came from North Africa, West Africa, and various areas under French control, participated in the battlefields of Europe. Many of them lost their lives in the war. It was planned to build a large mosque in Paris to recognize and commemorate their sacrifice.

In 1920, the French Parliament approved the construction of the Grand Mosque. After several years of construction, the Grand Mosque of Paris was officially inaugurated on July 15, 1926. It was inaugurated by the then French President Gaston Dumerg. C. Kaddur Bengabrit took charge as the first rector of the mosque.

Since its establishment, the Grand Mosque has become an important center of the Muslim community in France. In addition to religious activities, educational, cultural and social activities are conducted here. Over time, it has become a well-known symbol of Muslim heritage and presence in France.

The architecture of this mosque in Paris is also particularly noteworthy. Its design is influenced by Andalusian and Moorish architectural styles. With a 33-meter-high minaret, arched entrance, Arabic calligraphy, mosaic designs and gardens, this structure is one of the historical landmarks of Paris.

Even after a hundred years, the main activities of the Grand Mosque continue. Regular prayers are offered here. In addition, Arabic language education, Islamic education, religious discussions, cultural events and social activities are conducted. The presence of worshipers in the mosque increases during Friday prayers, Ramadan and Eid.

The Grand Mosque is governed by the rules of France's secular state system. The French government does not appoint the head of any religious institution. The Grand Mosque is also not directly under government control; it is run by an independent religious structure. Its current rector is Shams Eddin Hafiz.

Various programs have been organized at the Grand Mosque to mark its centenary in 2026. These include historical exhibitions, presentations of old photographs and documents, organizing Islamic art and culture, and discussion meetings. Through these events, one hundred years of history are being presented to the new generation.

French government representatives, public representatives, diplomats, religious leaders, and representatives of civil society participated in the centenary event. The Minister of the Interior Laurent Nunez, Minister Aurore Bergé, Prefect of the Paris Police Patrice Faure, Mayor of Paris Emmanuel Gregoire, President of the Ile-de-France region Valérie Pécres, and various important figures were present.

The history of the Grand Mosque also includes a humanitarian chapter during World War II. Various studies have noted that during the Nazi occupation, people associated with the mosque, led by the then rector C. Kaddur Bengabrit, helped some persecuted people. However, historians differ on the specific numbers and details of this matter.

French historian Benjamin Stora sees the Grand Mosque as an important symbol of the contribution of Muslims to the history of France and the relationship between different communities.

The mosque, which began its journey to preserve the memory of the war a hundred years ago, is today an important part of French history. The Grand Mosque is now a historical document of France, where a long history of sacrifice, culture, religious freedom and coexistence is preserved.