Open Mosque Day: Intercultural exchange on October 20th

Open Mosque Day: Intercultural exchange on October 20th

On October 20, 2024, the open mosque day will be celebrated in Austria. This initiative, which was launched by the Islamic Faith Community in Austria (IGGÖ), gives citizens the opportunity to visit different mosques. The focus is on the exchange with the Muslim community and getting to know Islam.

Visitors: A diverse program expects inside. In addition to insights into religious practice, mosque guides are also offered that give a deeper impression of cultures and traditions within Islam. The IGGÖ emphasizes that this day is a chance to reduce prejudices and step into dialogue.

a place for encounter and exchange

The President of the IGGÖ, Ümit Vural, emphasizes the special importance of the mosques. "The history of Islam in Austria is unique. Islam became a domestic religion with the 1912 Islam Act, which was a strong sign of the peaceful coexistence of different cultures and religions - a principle that shapes our society to this day," he explains. Vural is convinced that mosques are much more than just prayer sites. They act as the places of exchange and encounter.

The program in the individual mosques will vary. In addition to the tours already mentioned, there are “Living Libraries”, among other things, in which people can report on their experiences as a Muslim: inside in Austria. In addition, Gernot Galib Stanfel, a lecturer of the KPH, will present his new book about the Islamic heritage in Austria in the Islamic Center in Vienna.

The participating mosques are accessible on the IGGÖ website, where interested parties can find more information. This event contributes to promoting intercultural dialogue by presenting the diversity and cultural background of Islam in Austria.

For more information on the day of the open mosque and the participating places of worship please visit this link: kurier.at .