The Mezquita, or Great Mosque ofCórdoba, was for centuries a symbol of diversity and tolerance in the southern Spanish city and has long been one of Europe’s most admired historical monuments.
However recently the Catholic Church has secretly been taking steps to take it out of public hands.
The Mezquita has long been revered not just as a remarkable piece of architecture, but also one with a unique history.
The Emir Abdul Rahman I started construction of the Great mosque in 785 on the site of the old Visigoth Church. Up until that point it had been used as a shared place of worship between the Muslims and Christians. The church was then legally purchased by Abdul Rahman I who then started the construction of this masterpiece of architecture, the largest Mosque in its time.
When Christian forces conquered the city in the 13th century, they immediately converted the mosque to a church and later built a cathedral in the centre of the mosque.
Today, visitors can wander through dozens of the mosque’s horseshoe arches before reaching the cathedral, where Mass is still held. Only Christians are allowed to use the cathedral-mosque as a place of worship.
Public property
However, it has emerged that the local archbishopric is in the process of registering itself as the sole owner of the entire building – which is public property – a move that will be irreversible by 2016. Many in the city believe this is part of an effort by the Córdoba Catholic authorities to suppress the monument’s Islamic identity.
“The Mezquita is a global symbol of the meeting of cultures and today more than ever the world needs symbols like this,” said Antonio Manuel Rodríguez, a professor of civil law at the University of Córdoba.
Concern among Muslims
The prospect of the building, which is still an important Islamic symbol around the world, becoming the property of the Catholic Church has also upset Muslims.
“It’s a historical heritage belonging to all Spaniards,” saidIsabel Romero, director of the Islamic Junta, which represents Muslims inSpain. “It’s very strange that it should pass into private hands.”
Ms Romero said this was the latest of many efforts by the church, which manages the Mezquita, to eliminate the building’s Muslim identity.
In 2010, the archbishop of Córdoba, Demetrio Fernández, publicly called for the word “mosque” to be removed from tourist-related references to the building, “to avoid confusing visitors”, a request that has been obeyed. Tourism brochures describe it as “Córdoba Cathedral”. Its website address contains the word “cathedral”, but not the word “mosque”.
“Any attempt to wipe out the identity of the Mezquita is an attack on us Muslims,” Ms Romero said.
Mr González attributed the controversy to an attempt by the extreme left to stir up hostility against the church.
Beacon of tolerance
All of this is a far cry from the period when Córdoba was a beacon of multi-faith tolerance, with Muslims living peacefully alongside Jews and Christians.
The building is UNESCO world heritage site and should remain in public hands as it belongs to the world community as do other such structures. It would be a monumental tragedy if the church was allowed to take ownership of the Great mosque of Cordoba.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
December 16, 2014
December 15, 2014
we are almost at 500 signatures and i really need everyone who sees this to blast the link out on their main feed right now. if we keep this momentum going the pressure on them becomes impossible to ignore.
May 12, 2014
it is honestly wild to see how many people care about this place and its history. i never expected this much support but its clear we all want to keep it in public hands. lets keep the momentum going.
Reached 100 supporters
February 20, 2014
February 18, 2014
we are almost at 100 signatures and i really need you guys to push this a little further today. if everyone reading this just sends the link to a few people we can hit that goal by tonight.
211 Comments
I am a Catholic and have visited this beautiful building and was in awe of the extent and beauty of the Mezquita. It should be kept as it is and let both Muslims and Catholics live and worship in harmony.
Cordoba's great mosque is a fantastic architectural masterpiece. The crudity of the attempt to turn it into a church repulsed even the King of Spain. It should never fall into church hands. Keep it public!
Cordoba is a wonderful city, and its early history is a fine example of religious tolerance. This whole building should remain in public ownership as it is part of world heritage.
This is not only a place of beauty and history, but also one of the few places where Muslim, Christian and Jewish influences witnessed a time of shared inspiration. It is a spiritual space beyond the ownership of any one religious group and must be respected for this.
This building is an architectural treasure and a symbol of religious tolerance and coexistence. It is unique and precious. The local authorities should retain total control and maintain the long-established tradition of balance and fairness to both historic faiths.
Betelgeuse or Germany
It wouldbe sad to see a great monument of history and heritage stipped of its identity and with history change! this belongs to the public and should be always the case.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
The Mezquita, or Great Mosque ofCórdoba, was for centuries a symbol of diversity and tolerance in the southern Spanish city and has long been one of Europe’s most admired historical monuments.
However recently the Catholic Church has secretly been taking steps to take it out of public hands.
The Mezquita has long been revered not just as a remarkable piece of architecture, but also one with a unique history.
The Emir Abdul Rahman I started construction of the Great mosque in 785 on the site of the old Visigoth Church. Up until that point it had been used as a shared place of worship between the Muslims and Christians. The church was then legally purchased by Abdul Rahman I who then started the construction of this masterpiece of architecture, the largest Mosque in its time.
When Christian forces conquered the city in the 13th century, they immediately converted the mosque to a church and later built a cathedral in the centre of the mosque.
Today, visitors can wander through dozens of the mosque’s horseshoe arches before reaching the cathedral, where Mass is still held. Only Christians are allowed to use the cathedral-mosque as a place of worship.
Public property
However, it has emerged that the local archbishopric is in the process of registering itself as the sole owner of the entire building – which is public property – a move that will be irreversible by 2016. Many in the city believe this is part of an effort by the Córdoba Catholic authorities to suppress the monument’s Islamic identity.
“The Mezquita is a global symbol of the meeting of cultures and today more than ever the world needs symbols like this,” said Antonio Manuel Rodríguez, a professor of civil law at the University of Córdoba.
Concern among Muslims
The prospect of the building, which is still an important Islamic symbol around the world, becoming the property of the Catholic Church has also upset Muslims.
“It’s a historical heritage belonging to all Spaniards,” saidIsabel Romero, director of the Islamic Junta, which represents Muslims inSpain. “It’s very strange that it should pass into private hands.”
Ms Romero said this was the latest of many efforts by the church, which manages the Mezquita, to eliminate the building’s Muslim identity.
In 2010, the archbishop of Córdoba, Demetrio Fernández, publicly called for the word “mosque” to be removed from tourist-related references to the building, “to avoid confusing visitors”, a request that has been obeyed. Tourism brochures describe it as “Córdoba Cathedral”. Its website address contains the word “cathedral”, but not the word “mosque”.
“Any attempt to wipe out the identity of the Mezquita is an attack on us Muslims,” Ms Romero said.
Mr González attributed the controversy to an attempt by the extreme left to stir up hostility against the church.
Beacon of tolerance
All of this is a far cry from the period when Córdoba was a beacon of multi-faith tolerance, with Muslims living peacefully alongside Jews and Christians.
The building is UNESCO world heritage site and should remain in public hands as it belongs to the world community as do other such structures. It would be a monumental tragedy if the church was allowed to take ownership of the Great mosque of Cordoba.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
December 16, 2014
December 15, 2014
we are almost at 500 signatures and i really need everyone who sees this to blast the link out on their main feed right now. if we keep this momentum going the pressure on them becomes impossible to ignore.
May 12, 2014
it is honestly wild to see how many people care about this place and its history. i never expected this much support but its clear we all want to keep it in public hands. lets keep the momentum going.
Reached 100 supporters
February 20, 2014
February 18, 2014
we are almost at 100 signatures and i really need you guys to push this a little further today. if everyone reading this just sends the link to a few people we can hit that goal by tonight.
211 Comments
We are a sufi school and represent AlHabibia Al Adarissa, we wish to express our great concern for the Mosque's safety and wish to preserve the hundreds of years of history it has.
I am a Catholic and have visited this beautiful building and was in awe of the extent and beauty of the Mezquita. It should be kept as it is and let both Muslims and Catholics live and worship in harmony.
Cordoba's great mosque is a fantastic architectural masterpiece. The crudity of the attempt to turn it into a church repulsed even the King of Spain. It should never fall into church hands. Keep it public!
Cordoba is a wonderful city, and its early history is a fine example of religious tolerance. This whole building should remain in public ownership as it is part of world heritage.
This is not only a place of beauty and history, but also one of the few places where Muslim, Christian and Jewish influences witnessed a time of shared inspiration. It is a spiritual space beyond the ownership of any one religious group and must be respected for this.
This building is an architectural treasure and a symbol of religious tolerance and coexistence. It is unique and precious. The local authorities should retain total control and maintain the long-established tradition of balance and fairness to both historic faiths.
Betelgeuse or Germany
It wouldbe sad to see a great monument of history and heritage stipped of its identity and with history change! this belongs to the public and should be always the case.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 750 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
We are a sufi school and represent AlHabibia Al Adarissa, we wish to express our great concern for the Mosque's safety and wish to preserve the hundreds of years of history it has.