On the night of February 26, in the Mosque at the Turkish-Islamic Association for Religion Affairs (Di̇ti̇b) in the French city of Zharzhi, located 150 km from Paris, a fire occurred.
As a result of the incident, no one was injured, the mosque was completely burned down. On February 28, the Prosecutor’s Office of Orleans reported that the fire was the result of intentional arson.
Arson caused a wide public outcry, especially on the eve of the Holy month of Ramazan.
After the incident, a campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the building was launched.
Di̇ti̇b Chairman in France and a religious adviser in Paris by Bayram Demirtash said that the fire began at about 01.30 in the morning.
According to him, Imam noticed a flame escaping from the window of the mosque. Firefighted profit after 20 minutes, but by that time the mosque was already completely covered by fire.
“Unfortunately, everything burned out: roof, walls, carpets, equipment inside,” said Demirtash.
According to him, there were no heat sources or wiring at the fire site, which confirms the version of deliberate arson.
Investigators also found a damaged fence near an abandoned house next to the mosque, which enhances suspicions.
Demirtash emphasized that the incident occurred just a few days before Ramazan, and Di̇ti̇b employees helped local representatives of the organization find an alternative room for prayers, where the first taravikh-namaz was already perfect.
“We condemn the rhetoric that incites enmity”
“What we openly oppose is a hostile rhetoric that pushes people to such actions,” he said.
Demirtash also indicated that politicians and the media use certain events to incite hatred and manipulation of public opinion.
In addition, the chairman noted that the Muslim community is quickly mobilized and raised after each attack.
“After the tragedy, we always quickly recover. So it was in the case of a mosque in Zharzhi,” he said.
The Chairman of the Di̇ti̇b France said that within a day it was possible to collect the necessary amount to cover damage caused as a result of arson.
The organization’s plans not only to restore the mosque, but also to create a cultural center, youth space and premises for women.
We are faced with Islamophobia, but we know that this is temporary
Speaking about the reaction of French society, Demirtash noted that, unlike law enforcement agencies, the French media did not pay sufficient attention to this event.
He emphasized that the Muslim community of France is faced with Islamofobic rhetoric, but does not consider it a long -term threat.
Demirtash also expressed confidence that in 10-20 years the Turkish community in Europe will be represented even more, despite the existing challenges.