After waiting for decades, Muslims in Athens finally get a mosque

Without minaret or dome, the beige, rectangular structure in a former industrial area has none of the ornate grace typical of Islamic places of worship.
But for the Muslims of Athens, it is the result of a long-fought battle - and the city's first formal mosque in more than 180 years.
Greek authorities said on Friday that Athens would open its first official mosque probably by September when the 850,000 euro construction project is completed.
Although there are mosques in other parts of Greece, the capital has not had a formal mosque since it drove out occupying Ottomans in 1833, and the few that are left have been repurposed.
Plans to build a mosque began in 1890 with an act of parliament, but all fell through, including one timed for the 2004 Olympics.
"Soon the first prayers will be made by the imam.. We hope that can take place by September," Education...

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