Major Cities in Italy with Significant Muslim Populations

Italy, although historically a Catholic country, has seen a recent increase in its Muslim population. The Muslim community developed due to immigration from different countries, especially through people from North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. In this context, it appears that some cities in Italy have a much larger Muslim population than others.

Growth of Muslim population

Italy's Muslim population has grown largely since the 1990s when immigration to the country increased. The number of Muslim communities increased significantly in various Italian cities, especially in Milan, Rome, Turin, and Bologna.

1. Milan: Center of the Muslim population

Milan, the capital of the Lombardy region, is located in northern Italy and is one of the oldest and most famous cities in the country. The city was founded under the Roman Empire in 400 BC. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the cultural and commercial centers of Europe. Milan is also called the fashion and economic center of Italy. The city gained its modern form during the Napoleonic rule in the 1800s and later through the unification of Italy in the 19th century. The famous Milan Cathedral and the Scala Theater enhance the historic beauty of the city.

Milan, Italy's second-largest city, is known as an important center for its Muslim population. More than 115 thousand (8.1% of its total population) Muslims live in this city, and the number is constantly increasing. Milan's diverse culture and economic opportunities attract Muslim immigrants.

Milan has various Muslim organizations and mosques, which serve as a center for the local Muslim community. Various events and festivals are held here with a large Muslim community, which plays an important role in the cultural life of the city.

2. Rome

Rome, Italy's capital and most historic city has an ancient history dating back more than 2,700 years. The city was at the center of the ancient Roman Empire and had great cultural, political, and religious importance. Vatican City, the main center of Christianity, is located in this city. Major attractions in the city include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and St. Peter's Basilica. In the history of Rome, the city also contributed to the Renaissance of Italy during the Renaissance period and is called the 'Eternal City'.

Rome, the capital of Italy, also has a significant Muslim population. The number of Muslims in Rome is around 1.67 million foreign Muslims and 493,000 Italian Muslims (3.6 percent of the population). Due to the city's history and traditions, a strong Muslim community has developed here. Muslims in Rome observe various cultural and religious events, which add to the diversity of the city.

Rome has mosques and Islamic cultural centers for Muslims, which enrich their religious and social life. These centers conduct various activities to raise awareness among Muslim youth.

3. Turin

Turin ('Torino' in Italian) is a city in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. The city's founding dates back to the Roman era, and it became one of Italy's most important industrial centers during the Industrial Revolution. The city has established itself as the heart of Italy's automobile industry, particularly through Fiat and other automobile companies. The city is also famous for its Renaissance and Baroque architecture and is home to the Shroud of Turin, which is religiously significant.

Turin, a city in northwestern Italy, has a Muslim population of over 50 thousand people have been living well-integrated in the territory for many years: 40% of them have Italian citizenship. There is a growing presence of the Muslim community through various arts and cultural activities. Turin's Muslim community comes from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, all of which enrich the city's diverse society.

Education and religious activities are held in various mosques and Islamic centers for Muslims in Turin. Such centers play an important role in maintaining cohesion within the local Muslim community.

4. Bologna

Bologna is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northeastern Italy and is known as the oldest university city in the world. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, brought about revolutionary changes in the field of education. Bologna's medieval architecture, towers, and historic porticos (grand corridors) characterize the city. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the city became the center of learning in Europe, and it holds a special place in the fields of art, culture, and gastronomy.

Bologna, a historic university town, has a Muslim population of about 8,000. The university attracts students from different countries, which increases the Muslim population. Bologna's Muslim community is developing its identity through various cultural and religious activities.

There are various mosques and Islamic cultural centers, which serve as a base for local Muslim students. Bologna's Muslim community organizes various events to promote cultural diversity.