Islam was introduced to Finland by Baltic Tatars at the end of the 19th century. Since the late 20th century the number of Muslims in Finland has increased rapidly due to immigration. In 1999, there were an estimated 20,000 Muslims in Finland. In 2009, the number is estimated to be 40,000.
The Baltic Tatars arrived in Finland as merchants and soldiers at the end of the 19th century. They were later joined by other family members.
The Finnish Islamic Association (Suomen Islam-seurakunta) was founded in 1925. In practise, this society only accepts people from Tatar origin (or Turkish origin in general) as members, excluding non-Turkish Muslims.
The Islamic society of Finland (Suomen Islamilainen Yhdyskunta) was founded in 1987, Khodr Chehab (above left) is the imam of it. This society allows all Muslims to join their society.
There are many Mosques (Masjids) in the Capital area. Some of them are listed below.
- Rabita Mosque (www.rabita.fi)
- Masjid Al-Iman, Munkkiniemi
- Pasila Mosque
- Pakistani Mosque
- Turkish Mosque
Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ApQouNDR9w
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