The first mosque in the Greek capital of Athens opened its doors to Muslim worshipers on Monday, local media reported.
Inaugural prayers were held with social distancing measures in place, led by the mosque’s first imam is Zaki Mohammed, 49, a Greek citizen of Moroccan origin, Ekathimerini reports.
“A long effort by successive governments since 2006, when Law 3512 was passed, has been completed. Greece sends a clear message inside and outside the country, of democracy, religious freedom and respect,” said General Secretary of Religions Giorgos Kalantzis.
The decision to build a mosque in Athens was first made in 2006, with a budget of €887,000 ($1.04 million), yet encountered various bureaucratic hurdles and protests by Greek citizens.
The opening signified an end to the country’s long record as the only European Union capital to lack a mosque.
