The Mosquée de Paris, which was built between 1922 and 1926, may be found in the Latin Quarter, just a short distance from the Paris Museum of Natural History. There is a minaret that rises 33 meters above the roof of the Hispano-Moresque structure. Like the Alhambra in Granada, it features a plaza enclosed by carved arcades. The prayer room’s ornate design and exquisite carpets make it a must-see. The Mosquée de Paris is more than just a place of worship; it also features a souk-style hammam, café, tearoom, and shop.
History
To remember the 70,000 Muslim troops who gave their lives for France in World War One, the Grand Mosque of Paris was constructed in the 1920s.
It was not until after World War One that plans to construct a Muslim institution in Paris were finally put into action, although the notion had been around since the middle of the nineteenth century. The French government constructed a mosque as a gesture of gratitude to the Muslim soldiers who served under them.
The Grand Mosque of Paris was built between 1922 and 1926. Architect Maurice Tranchant de Lunel was the mind behind its design, which takes cues from Arab-Andalusian structures. The Mosque opened in the 1920s, during the period of relative peace between the wars. Established by the towering figure, Si Kaddour Benghabrit, a Quai d’Orsay fonctionnaire and state employee.
Design
There is a restaurant, a tea room, a conference room, a library, and the main prayer area inside the mosque, and a hammam, a traditional Turkish bath inside the mosque, which is a great place to unwind and meet new people.
The big and elegantly decorated prayer hall is a major attraction. There are elaborate decorations and fine detailing inside, including a massive chandelier. A prayer niche (mihrab) pointing toward Mecca has been skillfully carved and installed in the prayer hall. The mosque’s prayer hall is the most precious and important part of the building. A carved wooden dome covered with mosaics and Arabic calligraphy towers over the hall. There are exquisite mosaics and ceramic tiles adorning the walls, portraying religious motifs.
When you enter the Grand Mosque of Paris, you’ll find yourself in a stunning courtyard adorned with arches and mosaics. The courtyard in Granada was inspired by the Alhambra and features a central fountain surrounded by plants and flowers. You may kick back and enjoy the peace and quiet here. The rich landscaping, beautiful fountains, and intricate tiling of the courtyard make it an ideal spot for quiet reflection.
The Grand Mosque’s minaret is an impressive sight in the French capital. The minaret is 33 meters tall, making it an easily identifiable landmark of the mosque. Beautiful mosaics adorn the minaret, and a stairway leads to the summit, where you can take in a panoramic view of the city below.
The Islamic Cultural Center, which has a library with volumes on Islamic art, history, and spirituality, is located right next to the mosque. It’s a great place to find resources and organize cultural events that foster communication and mutual understanding.
There is a café and a tea room in the Paris Great Mosque. When the weather is nice, you may enjoy some time on one of the two lovely terraces. The little blue circular tables have mosaic decorations and are set amongst trees. There is enough of quiet space to get some work done, have a conversation, or read a book and sample traditional Moroccan tea and pastries. It’s a great place to relax and experience the warmth and kindness of North African culture.
Architecture of Mosquée de Paris
The Muslim community in France is diverse, and so are the architectural influences behind the Grand Mosque. For example, its minaret is nearly identical to that of the Zitouna Mosque in Tunis, Tunisia. The building’s ornamentation, on the other hand, was created by Moroccan artisans who took their cue from the “El Quaraouiyyîn” Mosque in Fès, Morocco. The zelliges, or beautiful enameled terracotta mosaics, that adorn the Mosque’s walls are particularly notable for bearing this influence.
The rest of this church’s design is rooted in the Iberian style, with elements resembling those of Andalusian structures. You can’t help but be reminded of the Alhambra in Granada when you see the twin columns and their stunning green tiles.
How to get there
The Grand Mosque of Paris is conveniently located near many major metro stops. It’s convenient to get there from all across the city because of its location in the 5th arrondissement. If you’d rather use the subway, the closest stop to the mosque is the “Place Monge” station on Line 7. Enclosed parking lots like Paripark’s are available close to the Mosque, however they tend to fill up rapidly due to the area’s high concentration of tourist attractions. Alternately, there are stops for bus routes 67 and 89 in the area. The Grand Mosque is conveniently located near several tourist hotspots, including the Jardin des Plantes and the Panthéon, which can all be reached on foot.
When to visit the grand mosque of paris
In the spring, the Grand Mosque of Paris truly comes into its own. The white walls sparkle in the sun, the flowers are in full bloom, The minaret will shine even brighter against a blue sky, so plan your trip for April or May, on a day with clear weather. May is a great month to take advantage of the pleasant weather without dealing with the swarms of visitors that appear between mid-June and the end of September.
Except for Fridays and some religious festivals, the Grand Mosque is open to the public every day.
Things to know when visiting the grand mosque of paris
Mosques are places of prayer, and visitors should treat them as such. Speaking softly, acting quietly, and not snapping pictures in restricted locations is all an aspect of being respectful.
Dress modestly when visiting the Grand Mosque of Paris to show respect for the mosque’s religious and cultural significance. Women are not required to wear headscarves or cover their arms and hands in public unlike the majority of Muslim countries. They do, however, insist that you cover your shoulders and knees at all times. This is true for both sexes. If you are not properly attired, the front desk personnel will let you know and provide you with a scarf to wear.
You may also take a guided tour to learn more about the building’s design, history, and cultural importance, if you’re interested.
all in all, the grand mosque of Paris is a great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a new environment. We hope that these tips will help you in having the best experience while visiting the mosque and wish you a safe and happy trip.
