Grand Mosque of Paris

Paris, France

The oldest mosque in metropolitan France, built in Hispano-Moorish style to honor the Muslim soldiers who fought for France in World War I. Its 33-meter minaret is a landmark of Paris's 5th arrondissement.

Historical Context

Following World War I, the French government authorized the construction of a grand mosque in Paris in recognition of the sacrifice of Muslim colonial soldiers. The project was championed by Si Kaddour Benghabrit, a diplomat from Algeria. Construction began in 1922 and was completed in 1926 in the Hispano-Moorish architectural style, with decorative elements sourced from artisans in Fez, featuring intricate zellige tilework, carved stucco, and a 33-meter minaret. During the German occupation of Paris (1940–1944), the mosque became a covert rescue operation: Benghabrit and mosque staff sheltered Jewish Parisians, providing forged Muslim identity documents to help them escape deportation. Aft…