A Greek Muslim lady from Ilioupolis, Athens
December 6, 2010
Miss Anna Stamou, public relations manager of the Muslim association of Greece, was awarded for her action by the European Muslim Professionals Network
Source: www.tovima.gr
By Achilles Hekimoglou 21st of November 2010
Anna Stamou
One of the leading international Muslim awards of Europe was recently given to a Greek lady. The public relations manager of the Muslim Association of Greece miss Anna Stamou is included in the 10 Muslim ladies with the greater and most positive influence in Europe, next to personages like the famous Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid! Miss Stamou found herself among the top 10 of the female aspect’s expression of the modern, moderate Islam, receiving a relevant award by the European Muslim Professionals Network (CEDAR), which is supported by the well known Institute of Strategic Dialogue, also known as the “Three Club”. The award ceremony , which took place three weeks ago in Madrid, is an important step for Greece so as to have a voice on the continuously widening circle of influence on the European Muslims, of the importance of whom has been stated over the last few years by numerous analysts of the international relations of our country.
Miss Stamou refers on the nowadays big issue that preoccupies the mind of thousands of Greeks and foreign Muslims, meaning the creation of an Islamic prayer site and cemetery in the capital. “We had suggested creating a simple, functional infrastructure that will be aesthetically compatible with the surrounding area. We do not imagine any luxuries just a functional prayer site.” And at the same time she criticizes the new phenomenon of islamophobia in Greece, characterising it as temporal and of ephemeral consuming. “In the past there were the communists, today are the Muslims. In a few time though, this will no longer have any effect and shall be forgotten” she underlines
In addition, she highlights that the lack of a Mosque is not the only deficiency, but there is also the lack of accredited officially appointed Imams in our country. “The imam –as well as the priest and the spiritual instructors-aids with his consultation people or couples who face problems, seek for psychological support or they confront moral dilemmas. Furthermore, we do have mixed weddings, where so many women ignore their rights. This is a tragedy.” She adds that it is necessary to create all the required institutions with Greek and not with foreign funds. “In such cases the financial contributor, has the upper hand. We have seen countries such as Holland and Great Britain to establish the state’s control.”
Miss Stamou became a Muslim six years ago, as she found answers for her inner philosophical quests. “My quest has been long, I was always seeking answers and I always had answered questions, not necessarily of theological nature. In my quest of truth, I could not get satisfactory answers. Thus, I consulted several philosophical schools; I dealt deeply with Pythagoras, through whom I found myself embracing Islam. “she states. During this quest she met her current husband, with whom they jointed as volunteers the organisation “Doctors of the World”, during the war in Iraq. Then was the time when she came into closer contact with Islam, and she started researching deeper to its teachings. “I thought due to the knowledge I have acquired from school that this is an inferior and distorted religion. Islam though had given me answers. I said then to myself that I should learn more about this religion. Many of the questions I had, started sorting themselves out with a simplicity that was really annoying!” she states. Miss Stamou underlines that due to the historical facts in our country many people confuse Muslims with Turkey, a thing she says it is wrong. “I have been a Muslim for so many years and I have learnt the word bayram last year! During my way to Islam, I have never met Turkey. The European citizen who becomes Muslim he does not obtain knowledge from the Turks, but from the Arabs, following Arab teachers” she underlines. “In Europe those who embrace Islam learn from English and French sources. Though there are thousands Greek Muslims, I do not understand why there are not any published book in Greek. Thankfully, we published five books.” She says.
She as well says that her transition from Christianity to Islam was escorted by acceptance from the side of family and her friends.”I have not met any negative reactions. Some people might have questions or they might not like it. But what could I do? Anyhow, they did not like yoga either! I did not change my social behaviour, I just wore a head scarf!” she narrates.
Miss Stamou is 37 years old and she was born in Athens, one month after the riot of Polytechneio. “My mother, being eight months pregnant to me, was watching the facts from the roof of our house.” She was born and bred in Ilioupolis, studied Business administration and Economics, though she professionally dealt with sign language but also with yoga, which she still teaches! The awarded Greek lady, is married with the chairman of the Muslim Association of Greece, Mr. Elgandhour , is a mother of two children , and she is the public relations manager of the previously referred association. “A few years ago, I had an office for the young Muslims, though I have translated from English language books relevant with Islam” she states. Though for many years, her main occupation was the family business, an old small factory of athletic wear that their parents had, which due to the recession shut down.
“Wearing hijab is a matter of choice”
The issue of hijab consists an important issue for many countries, for Miss Stamou though things are quite simple.
Miss Stamou holding a tray on her hands she treats guests during Ramadan
“Hijab is a part of the faith, a part you can choose to follow or not. It is your choice” she adds. Though, as she highlights, it has not only a social standing, as anyone who does an internal request, will also find other things. “The hijab is a matter of choice. But, anywhere where is enforced, is a wrongdoing. Certainly, in my opinion, when it is exposed as a symbol of oppression, is wrong. I have seen women who fight for their right to wear it” she states.
Miss Stamou refers on her award with satisfaction. “There were ten awards given, all of them equally given. I was awarded due to my actions through the Muslim Association to claim an Islamic prayer site and a cemetery but also for my positive contribution in society. The European Muslim Professionals Network (CEDAR) promotes education, progress, business, creativity, arts and sciences. It is not a religious institution” she highlights.
As she says, the basis of all the issues is the peaceful coexistence and tolerance. “During Ramadan, we eat together with our Christian friends; this is something that is not easily found in Europe. Furthermore, my daughter loves and is eager for Christmas. So they last approximately up… to Easter!” she concludes.
New York Times: attacks on immigrants on the rise in Greece
December 3, 2010
Source: New York Times
By Niki Kitsantonis
ATHENS — A wave of violent attacks against immigrants by suspected right-wing extremists has put Muslims and the police on alert in rundown parts of Athens with burgeoning migrant populations.
Immigrants have been beaten and stabbed near central squares, and several makeshift mosques have been burned and vandalized. In the most grievous attack, at the end of October, the assailants locked the door of a basement prayer site and hurled firebombs through the windows, seriously wounding four worshipers.
“The attacks are constant — I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Naim Elghandour, who moved to Athens from Egypt in the 1970s and now heads the Muslim Association of Greece. “I used to be treated like an equal. Now I’m getting death threats.”
Tensions in neglected, crime-ridden parts of Athens with growing immigrant communities have been mounting over the past two years. Highlighting expanding public discontent, the extreme right-wing group Chrysi Avgi, or “Golden Dawn,” won its first ever seat on the Athens City Council in local elections three weeks ago. The group mustered strong support in working-class neighborhoods in the capital and elsewhere in Greece by describing migrants as a drain on the economy, which is reeling from a debt crisis, and calling for immediate deportations.
The Greek news media linked the group to the violence after a spray-painted cross merged with a circle — a symbol used by extreme rightists worldwide — was found on the wall of a firebombed prayer site. But the police have not confirmed a connection, saying no arrests have been made. The group did not respond to requests for comment.
Thanassis Kokkalakis, a police spokesman, said the problem was complex. He said that while “extremist elements” were believed to be behind certain attacks, there was also violence between migrants of different ethnic origins, muggings of Greeks by poverty-stricken foreigners and clashes between extreme rightists and left-wing protesters.
“All this chaos stems from a constantly growing population of immigrants in these areas,” said Mr. Kokkalakis, noting that about 150 migrants arrived in Athens daily despite the mobilization of European Union guards in early November at Greece’s land border with Turkey. “The upheaval has fueled aggravation among residents, which is being exploited by extremist groups.”
The residents of the problem areas are divided: Some want dialogue and better policing, while others are taking matters into their own hands. Elderly and middle-aged residents often sit in local squares during the daytime, shouting abusive statements at migrants when they go by. Small gangs of teenagers stalk the neighborhoods by night, but it remains unclear if they are locals or visiting extremists.
The police have stepped up patrols following reports of attacks by vigilantes who, locals say, are as young as 14. “I saw three kids bashing an Afghan man with wooden poles until blood ran down his face,” said Muhammad, the Syrian manager of a convenience store in Aghios Panteleimonas, once a lively neighborhood, now a no-go zone. Like other migrants living in the area, he would not give his surname for fear of reprisals.
The exact number of attacks remains unclear. “The victims are usually too scared to go to police,” said Thanassis Kourkoulas, a spokesman for Deport Racism, a group that offers targeted migrants advice and support.
Others say this reflects a general trend in Europe. “Hate crimes against Muslims are underreported and underrecorded,” said Taskin Soykan, who advises the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on combating racial intolerance.
The attacks in Greece mirror similar incidents in other European countries, including Switzerland, where a referendum last November led to a ban on the construction of minarets on mosques, and in France and Italy, where the authorities have deported Roma residents and immigrants.
“The difference in Italy is that most of the attacks were in the provinces, while in Greece they are in the heart of the capital, which is potentially far more explosive,” Liz Fekete of the Institute of Race Relations in London said. “The common factor is the formation of vigilante groups, egged on by the far right.”
Angry protesters, including some thought to be right-wing extremists, had to be restrained by the police last month when thousands of Muslims congregated in several Athens squares for a religious festival. At one site, officers fired tear gas to disperse a small group of demonstrators, who continued their protest from the balconies of apartment complexes, pelting worshipers with eggs and playing loud music to disturb the prayers.
The day after the protests, government officials said a stalled project to build an official mosque was back on track. Athens is the only capital of the original 15 E.U. member states to lack a state-approved mosque.
Although the country’s influential Orthodox Church has given its support to the project, opinion polls show that half of Athens’s five million residents oppose the creation of a mosque to serve the capital’s Muslim community, which numbers about 500,000.
“A large mosque with minarets in the city center will be a provocation,” said Dimitrios Pipikios, the head of a residents’ group in Aghios Panteleimonas, where Chrysi Avgi drew 20 percent of the vote in recent elections.
Mr. Pipikios said the only way to ease tensions was to deport immigrants. “There is no room for us all,” he said, adding that extreme rightists were patrolling the area “because the police are not doing their job.”
Other residents said they felt intimidated. “The situation is totally out of control,” said Maria Kanellopoulou, who wants not deportations but the better social integration of immigrants.
The local authorities are determined to tackle the problem, said a spokesman for Giorgos Kaminis, the newly elected mayor of Athens.
“Chasing immigrants away from city squares is an established technique of extreme rightists, and we are seeking advice on how to deal with it,” said the spokesman, Takis Kampilis, who has approached the municipal authorities in Germany, who have averted similar campaigns by neo-Nazis. The new mayor is also planning to improve health care and housing for migrants and organize street markets where they can legitimately sell wares rather than touting illegally on street corners.
Ms. Fekete said increasing integration would help, but to stamp out extreme violence, local and central governments must condemn it in strong terms. “If the authorities do not speak out, public tolerance of the violence will grow,” she said. “This is a wake-up call.”
Greek Muslim: Myrto – my journey to Islam
November 25, 2010
Questions were racing through my mind. Does this makes me a Muslim? What is a Muslim after all? And is it easy to become one? And what happens after that? What if I regret?
It was minutes after my shahada (my declaration of the Islamic faith), a few weeks ago.
It took me almost 9 years to believe there is actually a God and choose Islam as the way to worship Him. But why was that? Having a very hard life so far, full of personal traumatic experiences of which I could not be responsible for during childhood, puberty and adolescence, a person does not have the right to make his own choices by law, I was led to disappointment.
I almost completely rejected the presence of God or of any Divinity in my life.
Although I was completely dissatisfied by the behaviour of the clergy in Greece and still having the words of the burial service which says “rest your servant ignoring all sins,” I decided to start reading about religion.
Feeling tormented, tired and a bit desperate to find answers to my questions, I choose to read religion initially and then philosophy and history of sciences instead of trying to find my way through fortune tellers or tarot readers, drugs or alcohol.
No matter how hard someone tries to numb himself so he doesn’t feel any pain, the pain will always be there, waiting to be confronted. Being deeply ethical and raised with the traditional values of a middle class Greek family , values of honesty, pride and dignity, I did not want to be part of any religious or philosophical group just to satisfy my needs for warmth and affection. And I definitely, loved and honoured my Greek cultural identity and I did not want to imitate or fake any other identity or nationality.
I started researching Christianity and mainly the Orthodox Dogma, then Judaism and Buddhism and finally Islam. I started gradually believing in God, my faith becoming stronger with time. At some point I started having questions about the Trinity, questions for which I found the answers in Islam.
What I realised is that Islam is the religion that closes the circle of Divine revelations. Islam means peace and Muslim means the person who offers himself to God and God only, with no remorse or personal benefit. Allah is not a new invention, it’s just the Arabic word for God, the half moon is not a symbol of blood bathing and revenge but is a reminder that Muslim people calculate the time based on the moon rather than the sun.
At this point I seriously started to consider myself as a believer rather than an agnostic. In the meantime, I moved to United Kingdom, to further educate myself though postgraduate studies. I do not know if it was a sign but while I was in UK, I kept meeting really nice people, the majority of them being Muslims, and I ended up marrying one of them.
I continued reading more and more and was becoming focused on Islam this time. Though not only reading, watching documentaries, attending Islamic lectures, going to Islamic museums, attending Islamic classes.
And there comes the questioning. Do I want to be part of a religion that has so many different variations of interpretation of its Holy Book? Would I want to be part of a group that would be a religious minority in my country? Would I want to be part of a religious group where most people, of the ones I have met at least, are paying attention just to the rules of worship and not the worship itself? Or would I want to be part of a religion which is used by its own followers to inspire hate and hostility?
I got again disappointed but this time not by the religion itself or the philosophy itself or from the Quran but from the followers. And then I realised that I cannot blame the religion itself since I found the answers to my questions, from its followers. I decided to start living as a Muslim for a period of time, to see what it takes and see if it is really so hard. As it is stated in Quran, men and women were created equally having their own free will.
But what does it mean to live as a Muslim? Wearing an abaya and niqaab? Praying 10 times a day? Fasting strictly during Ramadan? Staying at home and having loads of children? Avoiding any kind of joyful experience just in case you do something forbidden? Certainly not, in my opinion.
Islam is not a strict system of rules or a kind of imprisonment. Doing good deeds every single day, trying to avoid bad actions, praying as much as you can, fasting as much as you can, showing love and compassion and always fighting peacefully to improve yourself, progressing and evolving in knowledge day by day, trying your best every single day, this is what it takes to be a Muslim.
I realised that I could live as a Muslim, I just changed the way and the frequency of my prayers, I stopped completely eating pork or drinking alcohol and I wore a headscarf. That’s all. So after this so long journey, I decided to have my shahada done admitting firstly to myself that ‘There is no god but Allah (God), and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah (God).
Written by:
Myrto Z.
Athens, Greece
13.000 Muslims prayed in 12 points of Attica
November 18, 2010
Source: Kathimerini
Translation © Muslim Association of Greece
Without any special reactions the religious manifestations of Muslims took place. “Greece is the only European country without a mosque” states the chairman of the Muslim Association of Greece.
Thirteen thousand people, according to the police, participated in all the manifestations of the Muslims’ public prayer in twelve different areas of Attica.
The prayer, who started at 7:40 in the morning and finished at 11, took place without the slightest problem, besides Attica square, where according to eye-witnesses, there was abuse, by a small group of habitants, who threw eggs and other objects against Muslims who were walking by the streets of the area, though there was no response and with the firm presence of the police, there weren’t any violent incidences.
As it has been stated by the Hellenic Police, the manifestations of Muslims joined 4.000 people at Aigaleo, 2.000 at the Arabic-Hellenic Educational Centre at Kiprou str. In Moschato area, 500 at Propylaia, 600 at Attica square, 600 at Koumoundourou square, 1.000 at the old Racetrack Court at Faliro, 1.000 at Karamnanlis Avenue at Menidi, 300 at the basketball court at Elefsina, 250 at Aspropirgos, 1.500 in an abandoned factory at Markopoulos avenue at Koropi, 250 at Oinofyta and 1.000 in the court of Ierotheos at Peristeri.
Backlashes for the religious manifestations
Habitants of the area of Attica square, together with members of “Chrisi Augi” gathered earlier in the area in order to prevent the Muslims to perform a religious manifestation, the Qurban Bayram or the Feast of Sacrifice.
In the area, there was a firm police presence which in order to avoid any violent incidents, drove off all the gathered group-who were demonstrating against the presence of immigrants in Athens-towards Acharnon str., making a slight use of chemicals.
The Bayram is the equivalent to the sacrifice of Abraham that lies also in Christian religion, and which up to a certain point is accepted by the Muslims as well. At this very moment at Propylaia dozens of Muslims are gathered who live in Greece, originating from Greece, Albania and from other countries of Asia and Africa.
The gathering at Propylaia took place under the initiative of the Muslim Association of Greece and it is the third time that prayer takes place in a public place.
Muslim Association of Greece: We should assemble all the prayer sites with the Mosque
The chairman of the Muslim Association of Greece Naim Elgandour participating in the show “Proti Grammi” on SKAI television made clear that the prayers at public areas do not constitute a force mechanism for the construction of a Mosque.
He stated that “It is a matter of culture. Greece is the only European country without a Mosque, it has to be done soon enough in order to assemble all these prayer sites that they are constantly sprout up.”
www.kathimerini.gr with information by ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ, skai.gr
Translator: Myrto Zacharof
Muslim prayer with tension in Athens
November 17, 2010
Source: TVXS
Translation © Muslim Association of Greece
It was characterised by the great numbers of people who participated and the request for respect the rights of the immigrants. It was blemished by the attitude of a group of people who disagree with the presence of foreigners in the country. In Tuesday morning, under the occasion of one of the most important feasts of Islam, Muslim immigrants performed a public prayer in 15 points of Athens.
At Propylaia, was realised the wider participation of Muslims for the feast of Qurban Bayram, that refers to the sacrifice of Abraham’s son. At about two thousand Muslims, originating from different countries, kept their custom. After they placed sheets on the ground, in the courtyard of Athens Academy, they took of their shoes and they keeled following the Imam’s prayers, who travelled from the Islamic University of Egypt to participate in the ceremony.
The public religious performance of Muslims in Athens, symbolised as well, the need of the construction in Attica, like the administration of political asylum. Like the big red banner “We ask for political asylum”. Besides, the prayer took place next to the tents of the Iranians hunger strikers, who as being political refugees they demand asylum from the Greek authorities.
The Police was discretely present in the manifestation, in order to deter any aggressiveness by people who are not fond of the immigrants. The few aggressive incidents that happened at Propylaia were minor interest, mainly focused on the verbal protest of the passing pedestrians, who were expressing thoughts such as “in Constantinople, the Greeks cannot pray.”
In Attica square, the demonstration expanded in three additional elements: music notes, eggs and yogurts. Approximately 50 extreme rightists, who tried from the previous night to occupy the area but they were drove off by the police, they gathered early in the morning in the square and started soughing abusive slogans against the immigrants. Although they did not leave the area, they were strayed by the lined police officers.
Nevertheless, “allies” were found in a balcony of an adjacent building. Three women raised Greek flags and put on loud music, harassing the immigrants’ prayer. In addition, they were shouting abusive slogans. In the account the throw of two eggs and two yogurts towards the square is added. Clearly worried, the approximately 500 immigrants (majorly from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) did note reacted. After they fulfilled the ceremony, they immediately left the area.
Translator: Myrto Zacharof
Eid Al Adha prayer for Muslims in Athens
November 17, 2010
Source: City Press
Translation © Muslim Association of Greece
Yesterday’s public player that was performed by at least 13.000 Muslims in twelve different points of Attica was unprecedented for what is usually happening in the capital. This public manifestation worked as triggering event for the development of a Mosque in Athens but as well as the expected social reactions.
The prayer, which was performed due to the occasion of celebrating the first day of the Muslim feast Eid-Al-Adha (equivalent to the sacrifice of Abraham) started at 7:40 in the morning and lasted approximately three hours. As the Greek Police stated, the Muslims’ manifestations were attended by 4.000 people at Aigaleo, 2.000 at Kiprou str. at Moschato, 500 at Propilea were the prayer took place under the initiative of the Muslim Association of Greece, 600 at Attica square, 1.000 in the old Racetrack Court in Faliro, 1.000 at Karamanlis Avenue at Menidi, 300 at the in the basketball court of Elefsina, 250 at Aspropirgos and 1.000 in the court of Ierotheos at Peristeri.
All the manifestations took place peacefully, with the exception though of Attica square. There, a group of habitants attacked with eggs and with other objects against the offhand prayer site, though other habitants had placed on their balconies Greek flags, they put loud music inorder to interrupt the process of the prayer.
The Request for an Official Prayer Site
Yesterday’s prayer was the third one that took place in a public place, (previously it had been performed in Kotzia square and in Olympic stadium) but it was the most impressive. The representatives of the Muslims referred again on their claim for the development of an official prayer site. Mr. K. Aivaliotis representative of LAOS’s party stated that this is a “demonstration of power in Athens by African Muslims.”
“In the times we live in, it is imposed, in the civilisation we claim we are having and which governs our society, and it is a duty of the Greek state, to facilitate each person who wants to perform his religious duties” the Government’s representative, G. Petalotis, highlighting that “there is a legal commitment made to create a Mosque in Athens, in order for our fellow Muslim citizens to perform with safety and liberty their religious rights.”
In Athens… by Coach
“Athens needs many , small sized religious prayer sites for the immigrants”, the journalist Stavros Theodorakakis claimed yesterday while on air on the radio station Flash, who due to his show for the flux of immigrants in Greece through the land borders( it will be presented next Sunday) , he stayed for a few days in Evros.
“ The loops that originate from Turkey, meaning the slavers and the traffickers have realised that practically the Greek Authorities have no practical means to oppose against the flux of unarmed immigrants” Mr.Theodorakis stated, though Mr. Salamagkas, police officer of Orestiada , referred, participating in the same show , that the Authorities after the capture of the immigrants and their identification, they release all those who cannot be deported (such as Palestinians or Afghanis for whom there are specific international treaties about their immunity.) They are given a piece a paper referring that they should leave the country within thirty days and they leave them free outside the detention centres where they are temporarily located. There usually there is a coach awaiting them who transports them in Athens.
Translator: Myrto Zacharof
Press Release: Eid Al-Adha in Athens
November 15, 2010
The Muslim Association of Greece is celebrating Eid Al Adha
(honoring the sacrifice of Abraham)
with a festive prayer with honored guest
Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Baddari of Al Azhar University Cairo
on Tuesday November 16, 2010, 7.30-8.30am
Propylea of Athens University, Panepistimiou Street, Metro Panepistimio
You are all welcome. Your presence will honor us.
Contact info:
Anna Stamou +30 6972838164
Habiba Sriz – a candidate with a headscarf
November 8, 2010
Source: Protagon.gr
© Translation: Muslim Association of Greece
Habiba Sriz is full of controversies. She was born in Casablanca, she studied Fashion in Paris, she fell in love in Athens and she lives in Alimos for the last 20 years. Her husband is a converted Muslim. She is Muslim as well, wearing colourful hijabs and she speaks openly about them.
Religious symbols were the reason we met 3 years ago. She was participating in a theatrical play, its scenario mostly focused on fear and ignorance of the West for the hijab (Muslim headscarf).We have spoken about women’s place in Islam, the relationships between the sexes, the identification of people in the society. So to prove to me the western clichés, she invited me to her brother’s wedding in Morocco. “Come to see how our women really are.” I told her then that the Mediterranean Sea beautifies everything.
The tenderness in the look of people kept her here. In the beginning, her hijab was unnoticed.” I used to travel by bus from Kalamaki to go for shopping to Athens, no one was calling me a stranger and I never felt other people’s curiosity on the street. Though lately, additionally to recession, a racist, xenophobic attitude was developed within the society. I think some people in order to get in power are using us, inventing racism.”
A month ago, Habiba was chosen as a representative by the Communist party, in the municipal elections, for Alimos area. She accepted straight away. “I want to support legal immigrants, I do not want people to perceive us as threats.” The society’s structure has changed. The traditions we used to learn when we were younger, it is spread to other groups as well, is evolving. Habiba’s example, Agapi as they call her here, beyond political parties and ideologies, identifies a knowledgeable person who is confident about herself and her beliefs. Habiba did not lose her identity in the “foreign” country but she complied with its constitution and its regulations and she decided to stand out proudly, to address herself to her “own” people. Her placement in a political candidates list is a rare political move in order to weaken conservatism.
Translated by: Myrto Zacharof
Contradictions in the Greek Parliament between Mpeglitis and Georgiadis for the mosque in Votanicos
November 6, 2010
Source: TVXS
© Translation: Muslim Association of Greece
The question that was submitted by the deputy of LAOS’s party, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, in the Greek Parliament, concerning the Mosque in Votanicos was discussed with great tension. Answering, the surrogate Minister of Defence Mr. Panos Mpeglitis attributed to the inquiring deputy “extreme xenophobic motives that serve suspenseful needs within his political party.”
Mr. Mpeglitis firmly assured that the Mosque in Votanicos, will be built with expenses of the Greek State and its operation will be completely regulated by the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, though, the land acres will be granted for usage only to satisfy the needs of a worshipping place.
By his own point of view, Mr. Georgiadis said “you are building a Mosque and you will harvest blizzard” paraphrashing the Greek expression of “sow winds and harvest blizzards” He referred as well to the recent statement of the Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, of failure of Germany’s multicultural model, as well as to the banishment of the hijab in France, though he argued, that in Greece the ownership of the land acres is handed over with “obvious dangers for the National Security.”
Additionally, he pointed out that in one hand the allocation of land acres to the Monastery of Vatopedion is characterised as scandal, though for the government it is not considered a scandal that land acres of the Hellenic Navy are donated for the needs of the Muslims.
Mr. Mpeglitis answered that Athens is the only European capital that a Mosque is inexistent and this constitutes a serious deficit of democracy, a fact that does not in any case serve the interests of the Greek State.
The Minister pointed out that a greater danger is constituted by the uncontrollably spread Mosques throughout the whole area of Attica, attributing to the deputy “a false approach of the issue with the creation of an extreme and xenophobe ambiance due to the elections period”, considering the fact that it is a responsibility of a country’s democratic state, to defend the religious rights and secularism.
The Minister strongly highlighted that nobody is given ownership titles of the land acres, though the land in Votanicos is allocated only for use, referring as well to the law that was voted by the previous government of Nea Dimocratia.
“If Mr.Pavlopoulos had acted as Rightist, Nea Dimocratia would not be at such a condition” was the answer of the deputy, who further clarified that the right of secularism is not questioned but the disagreement is with the development of a giant Mosque with minarets that will have a monumental character, something that is not happening in other countries.
Answering, the Minister designated the notions of the deputy obsessive, underlining that due to the grave stalling of the creation of a Mosque in the past, by several public bodies and the Church of Greece, resulted in the lack of control of the Muslim worshiping places.
Finally, considering the allegations of a giant structure, he reassured that all the masonry regulations of the area will be kept, though he characterised as at least inappropriate the comparison made by the deputy with the Vatopedion issue, an issue that as he said, was indeed a true scandal.
It is pointed out that the announcement of the construction of the Mosque took place at the end of April, just a few days before the visit of Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in Greece. It is about to be built in the area of Eleonas, in Votanicos, on land acres given by the Hellenic Navy. According, to the goverment’s representative G.Petalotis it will have a capacity of 500 people.
The law imposes three major prerequisites : its construction has to be financed by the Greek State , the commanding committee will be composed by five Greek public servants and two muslims of accredited organisations in Athens, though there shall be an Imam who will be appointed by the formal approval from the Minister of Education.
Translated by: Myrto Zacharof
The foundation of the mosque in Votanicos will not be unverifiable
November 6, 2010
Source: Enet
© Translation: Muslim Association of Greece
Mr. Panos Mpeglitis, answering a relevant question that was submitted by the deputy of LAOS party, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, in the Greek Parliament, strongly assured that the foundation of the Mosque in Votanicos, will be done with expenses of the Greek State and its operation will be completely regulated by the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, though, the land acres will be granted only to satisfy the needs of the Mosque itself.
The surrogate Minister of Defence accused Mr. Adonis Georgiadis for “extreme xenophobic motives that serve suspenseful needs within his political party”
The LAOS deputy argued that the ownership of the land acres is handed over with “obvious dangers for the National Security” referring as well to the recent statement of Angela Merkel of failure of German society’s multicultural model, as well as to the French law of banishing the hijab.
Additionally, he pointed out that in one hand the allocation of land acres to the Monastery of Vatopedion is characterised as scandal, though for the government it is not considered a scandal that land acres of the Hellenic Navy are donated for the needs of the Muslims.
From his side, the surrogate Minister of Defence answered him that Athens is the only European capital that a Mosque is inexistent and this constitutes a serious deficit of democracy.
In parallel, he strongly highlighted that nobody is given ownership titles of the land acres, though the land in Votanicos is allocated only for use, referring as well to the law that was voted by the previous government of Nea Dimocratia, so to get the following answer from LAOS deputy that “if Mr.Pavlopoulos had acted as Rightist, Nea Dimocratia would not be at such a condition”
Mr. Adonis Georgiadis though, clarified that the right of secularism is not questioned but the LAOS party disagrees with the development of a giant Mosque with minarets that will have a monumental character, something that is not happening in other countries.
Translated by: Myrto Zacharof
