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French Muslims

Source of new vitality

Economic transformation in the 1960's led French companies to actively recruit labor in North Africa - which explains today's Muslim population, estimated at five million. The number, the rapidity of its appearance, the

difference in cultures, plus memories of colonisation and of the disastrous Algerian war, make adjustment difficult for both sides. Hopeful sign: the many marriages between Christians and Muslims.

 

 

 

 

  • The muted atmosphère...

 

of the Grande Mosquée de Paris transports us into another world. On days reserved for men or women, Muslims and non-Muslims cross paths.

 

Women can invite Aisha, who comes regularly, to explain how best to use the steamrooms - which sets the mood for the next suggestions.

 

 

 

  • Our Muslim members...

 

connect us with artists whom we would otherwise never come to know.

 

This Moroccan, who founded and directs a flourishing language school, has helped us develop that side of our proposals. For our evenings she prepares a couscous that an excellent restaurant would be proud to serve. 

  • An Afghan princess reads...

 

•"Priviliged entries" in Geneva

 

...her own poems and those of other Afghan women, which she has chosen and translated. Their meaning is universal, as when they recall exile.
She sent this image to illustrate the world she lost.
  • Chants

 

 

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This Iraqi singer appears on other pages of this site.

 

Notice her public's attention.
    • Tales that transport us under a desert tent 

     

     

    Notice the hands.

    Author, story-teller and pillar of the Avignon festival, he narrates memories of childhood in the Atlas and in a Paris that is fabulous and bizarre. En français

     

     

    • Five million French Muslims, most of whom are very young...

     

     

     

    ...fuse their parents' culture with that of France. How? We don't know yet...

     

    To be continued.

     

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