The town of Turin, one of the largest in northern Italy, has seen a steady increase in the number of mosques. From 2018 to today, the total has increased from 17 to 25, according to the Italian Islamic Confederation.
This progress comes even as controversy continues over the future – spacious and modern – mosque in the city. Most of the new prayer centers are small, improvised in garages and warehouses, especially in the most degraded areas.
“The mosque is sometimes the only point of stability in these territories,” comments Walid Bounchaf, from the Italian Islamic Confederation. Courier Turin.
In the 400-meter stretch of Corso Giulio Cesare, between Porta Palazzo and Ponte Mosca, there are already four muslim prayer places. These structures, often precarious, attempt to meet the growing demand of the community.
More than 50 Muslims in Turin
Today, it is estimated that around 50 Muslims live in Turin – the city has a population of 847. More than 40% of Muslims in the city are Italian citizenship, according to the local Islamic Economic Forum.
That is, about 20 thousand Muslims in Turin have Italian citizenship.
Among the mosque attendees, there are people born in the city (second generation), children of immigrants, newcomers and even Italians who converted to Islam.