Athens’ only official mosque fails to meet needs of thousands of Muslims

According to public statements by the President of the European Federation of Turks of Western Thrace (ABTTF), approximately 300,000 Muslims live in Athens, while the city’s sole state-recognized mosque has a capacity of only 500 worshippers.

The mosque, inaugurated in November 2020, was converted from a former Hellenic Navy facility. Until its opening, Athens had been widely described as the only European capital without an official mosque.

Concerns Over Religious Freedom
In a public statement, ABTTF President Halit Habipoğlu called on Greece to address what he described as unmet collective worship needs in both Athens and Thessaloniki.

He urged Greek authorities to demonstrate “full respect for religious freedom and freedom of worship,” noting that Greece is one of the oldest members of the European Union and frequently refers to itself as the cradle of democracy.

Unlicensed Mosques in Attica
Local media reports indicate that approximately 20 mosques in the broader Attica region are operating without official permits. Authorities are reportedly continuing inspections and regulatory oversight efforts.

In addition, several Ottoman-era mosques in Athens and Thessaloniki remain closed to worship services, functioning instead as historical or cultural monuments.

Broader Context
The issue highlights ongoing discussions in Greece regarding migration, minority rights, urban planning, and religious infrastructure. While the government has taken steps to formalize Muslim worship spaces, critics argue that current provisions do not reflect demographic realities.

As debates continue, the question remains whether additional officially recognized mosques will be established to meet the needs of Muslim communities in Greece’s major cities.