I saw the centenary Grand Mosque of Paris.

By Muhammed Shahed Rahman:

Paris Grand Mosque: A historical monument to Muslim sacrifice. The Paris Grand Mosque is one of the brightest symbols of the history of Islam, the contributions of Muslims, and interfaith coexistence in France.
When I visit the century-old Grand Mosque in Paris, it gives me a different touch.
The century-old Grand Mosque of Paris, or Grand Mosque de Paris, is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the capital of France.
A few of us and I went to Paris, France from London to see the centenary Grand Mosque of Paris. On August 7, 2026, I was assisted in visiting the Grand Mosque of Paris by Hafizur Rahman of the Paris Bangla Press Club and Mortuza Kamal, a prominent businessman in Paris.

It was Friday, and we performed Jummah prayers together.
Then I learned from them and from various information preserved in the mosque that this mosque It was inaugurated in 1926 in memory of and gratitude to the Muslim martyrs who fought for France in World War I.
It is the oldest and largest mosque in mainland France.
History and Background It was built between 1922 and 1926 to pay tribute to the approximately 100,000 Muslim soldiers who lost their lives on the side of the French forces in World War I.
It was inaugurated on July 15, 1926, by the then French President Doumerg and the Sultan of Morocco, Yusuf ibn Hassan.

The mosque recently completed its glorious centenary in July 2026.
The architectural style is Hispano-Moorish. Its main tower is 33 meters high, inspired by the famous Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
The mosque has a beautiful courtyard, beautifully decorated arcades, and a beautiful garden. In addition to the facilities and attractions of the place of worship, there is a tranquil garden, library, gift shop, traditional tea house and restaurant.
It is one of the most visited places in Paris for tourists. You have to wear modest clothing to enter here, because it is the moral responsibility of every person to be respectful of any religion.
Those who travel the world, love to see history, culture, and architecture, should visit at least once in their lives.

Come and see this mosque, wander around with an inquisitive mind, and you will find peace.
And you will know – their recognition of the sacrifices of the First World War.
The history of the Grand Mosque of Paris is closely linked to the First World War (1914–1918).
At that time, thousands of Muslim soldiers from various regions of North Africa, including French colonies such as Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, joined the French army. Many of them sacrificed their lives on the battlefield.
In recognition of this sacrifice, the French government took the initiative to build a large mosque.

The French Parliament approved the project in 1920. Construction began in 1922 and the mosque was officially inaugurated in 1926. From 1926 to 2026 AD, the mosque celebrated its centenary.
I loved seeing this mosque—the green tiles, intricate geometric decorations, carved walls, mosaic art, and horseshoe-shaped arches add to the beauty of the mosque.

The approximately 33-meter-high minaret is visible from afar.
Before entering the main part of the mosque, there are well-groomed gardens, shaded courtyards, and fountains, which create a peaceful atmosphere for worshippers as well as visitors.