Frequently asked questions

On this page we will try to give a summary of answers to the most frequent questions and concerns that have been expressed to us with reference to the project of the Islamic Cultural Center of Seville (ICCS) and the Seville Mosque Foundation (FMS).

If you have any questions that have not been answered through this page, the presentation of the project or its chronology, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to reply to your query. 

  • Our intention is for it to be located in a place that is of easy access and central, for the benefit of the city, the different Muslim communities and the thousands of Muslim tourists who visit us annually.
  • The Muslim community has been established in different places in the center of Seville for more than 40 years, with a continuous history of civic coexistence with our neighbors.
  • The exact location will not be known until the land is purchased. Different options are being considered, and we continue to receive, and open to receive, proposals for this. Both, plots of land and buildings that can be adapted to our needs.
Our approach and vision since the project was resumed in 2014 is that it be done on private land, and for this end we are working.
Our intention is that, once the land is purchased, the project is developed as quickly as possible. Currently our effort is still focused on the purchase of land, once purchased, the dates and times of execution of the project will be specified.
The estimated budget is understood to be around 15M€, indicatively and in accordance with the plots of land that have been studied, the planned square meters and preliminary projects already made. That is including the purchase of the land, project development, construction, and taxes. Although considering that the variables are still open, this could change substantially.
The Seville Mosque Foundation currently has a capital of over 2M€, received from donations in recent years.
The project is intended to be built with private capital. Thus, not constituting a cost for taxpayers, but a private investment at the service of citizens. Investment and generation of wealth and jobs for the city.
  • The construction permit is intrinsically linked to the project, and the land where it is intended to be built. The planning license is preceded by a basic project on a specific plot of land.
  • Within the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU), the plots of land and buildings already have an assigned specification, permitted uses, as well as the allowed dimensions, etc.
  • We hope that the work done thus far, and that we continue to do, to promote the project, will bear fruit and that with the end of the pandemic we will be able to resume all the paths undertaken, and always open to suggestions and new possibilities.
  • The Seville Mosque Foundation has published over the last few years the most significant donations and fundraising campaigns through our website and social networks, and will continue to do so in order to provide public transparency regarding the source of funding.
  • The Seville Mosque Foundation is subject, like any other entity or individual, to the law of prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism of the Government of Spain. And to the rendering of annual accounts to the protectorate of Foundations of the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
We work openly so that the financing of the project is not linked to any conditioning or foreign interference, while at the same time, always open to collaboration and help, with total transparency and responsibility towards all those who are willing to help and be part of this project.
When the project was resumed in 2014, the emphasis of the project was placed on the Islamic Cultural Center, as the main element of the project, where through its services, activities and spaces, dynamize and give life to our vision. The project also includes a Mosque and a third element of great importance, which is the generation of income for its maintenance and independence.
Our commitment is that the activities and spaces of the CCIS will be open to the city of Seville and of benefit to all those residents or visitors who want to benefit from them.
The minaret, if the design includes it, will adhere, like the rest of the building, to the current regulations of the PGOU.
  • It´s still too early to know, and it is most likely that it will open to international public competition. What we would like is that, while including elements of the rich and beautiful architecture of the legacy of more than 500 years of Islam in our land, the building represents the present and future of Islam, not the past. And of course, that it is in harmony and consonance with the architecture of the city.
  • You may see some of the conceptual designs received to date in the following link: https://mezquitadesevilla.com/en/announcement/propuestas-de-disenos-conceptuales-para-el-centro-cultural-islamico-de-sevilla/
  • The Seville Mosque Foundation is financed in compliance with its foundational purposes, from private donations or contributions, once-off or recurring, from NGOs, entities and individuals, which both Spaniards and foreigners are willing to carry out, in accordance with Spanish legislation. The Seville Mosque Foundation is subject to the special tax regime of non-profit entities and tax incentives for patronage, regulated in Title II of Law 49/2002, of December 23.
  • On the Donations page you can find different ways to collaborate, and if required, we can provide a donation certificate, since donations received from third parties are subject to the tax deduction regime provided for in articles 16 to 24 of the aforementioned Law, as well as the final provision of Law 27/2014, of November 27.
  • From the Seville Mosque Foundation we give great importance to Spanish as a vehicular language to transmit a local Islam, which belongs to this land, which is not imported, nor is it culturally alien, which does not need any integration, which is not here temporarily, and that is communicated and transmitted in its local language, Spanish. As in Turkey, it is Turkish, in Indonesia, Indonesian, etc. Independently of the relevance that the Arabic language has as a vehicular language for the Muslims of the world and because it is the language of the revelation of the Quran.
  • Not only are there already local imams, qualified according to the precepts of Islam, but second generations of Spaniards who have memorized the Quran, have the necessary knowledge, the Arabic language, and who have been transmitted love for their country and countrymen.
This name has never been used by the Seville Mosque Foundation, nor does it represent the project it is working on. We understand that it has been used by different sectors and media to magnify and create fear about something totally alien to the reality in which we are working. Like the use of the name of the ´Seville Great (massive) Mosque Foundation´, when referring to our entity in some media.
Of course not. We understand the need of the current mosques and their work in the different neighborhoods, this project does not come to suppress anyone, but to add and support the existing ones.
We hope that it is not the only one and that with time and the natural growth of the communities, other mosques will be built that continue to dignify and elevate the situation of Muslims wherever they are. We believe that, just as there are many Christian communities in the city with their Churches and idiosyncrasies, in an organic way, this will also happen with Muslim communities.
  • Any kind of help is always welcome! If you wish, you can contact us through the Foundation's email or telephone number.
  • In the following page you may find different ways in which you can donate: https://mezquitadesevilla.com/en/donaciones/
  • According to the demographic study of the Muslim population prepared by UCIDE (2020), Muslims represent 4% of the total population of Spain, with more than 2.2 million. According to this same study, there are 360,000 in Andalusia and 31,600 in the province of Seville, of which 9,000 live in the capital.
  • We must also consider the growing community of converted Spanish Muslims, and second and third generation of these, that being Spanish of origin, and their identity documents not specifying the religion that one follows, nor there being any official record of these conversions or births, are more difficult to count.
Currently there are more than a dozen Mosques; shops, undergrounds and warehouses conditioned for its use. None purposely built.
  • Yes, there are churches and cathedrals in many countries with a Muslim majority where the examples are innumerable and the coexistence exemplary.
  • In any case and without going to assess the laws of other countries, as Spanish citizens, we are guided by the constitutional law of our country, which in article 16 cites:
    • The ideological, religious and religious freedom of individuals and communities is guaranteed without further limitation, in its manifestations, than is necessary for the maintenance of public order protected by law.
    • No one may be compelled to testify about his ideology, religion or beliefs.
    • No confession will have a state character. The public powers will take into account the religious beliefs of Spanish society and will maintain the consequent relations of cooperation with the Catholic Church and other confessions.
  • The phenomenon of immigration, something inherent to the human being and its history, of which unfortunately our country and our grandparents have witnessed as emigrants for years, is a phenomenon of mainly socioeconomic, military or political causes, in no case promoted or encouraged for the search for mosques where to pray. Even more so, when in many of the countries where they emigrate from there are mosques in each neighborhood.
  • What it can do for sure, is to serve as an integrating element for those already living here. The Muslim population will not grow because a mosque is built, but their lives, the expression of their faith and the image of these towards their neighbors will certainly be dignified.
It would be paradoxical to speak of the integration of Sevillian Muslims, both natural and born here. As for Muslim immigrants, a clear distinction should be made between integration and assimilation. It is important that integration exists and is fostered, and that forced assimilation and loss of identity is avoided. And that while maintaining their identity, religion or cultural customs, they are able to integrate and live in harmony with the society that welcomes them. It is also important to remember that integration is a reciprocal relationship that requires both parties.
  • The broadest, most constant and solid response that we have had has always been positive on the part of institutions, organizations, representatives of other faiths and society in general. Despite the negative image from a marked minority, based on Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia, unacceptable in our society.
  • The Muslim community already lives in Seville, and already prays in ¨mosques¨, for more than 40 years, with a civic coexistence with their neighbors and surroundings. The opposition that might exist by some sectors of society to dignifying this reality would be difficult to understand.
  • As the Cordovan Ibn Rushd (Averroes) said; "Ignorance leads to fear, fear leads to hatred and hatred leads to violence." Our entity will always work to build bridges and put light on ignorance.
The Seville Mosque Foundation is a cultural, non-religious entity, registered in the Registry of Foundations of the Ministry of Justice and under the protection of the Protectorate of Foundations of state jurisdiction, dependent on the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Founded in September 2004, with registration number; 651CUL, and CIF; G91405522.
  • We have always expressed, profusely and constantly, our feeling of rejection without palliative against all types of terrorism and extremism, and in particular those unjustifiably perpetuated in the name of Islam and Muslims. At the same time, we have always shown our support to the Governments and security forces of the States, and all those who fight against this nihilistic, atrocious, and anti-Islamic phenomenon. And against those who use the pain caused and the victims for political purposes.
  • Muslims are an indispensable part of the society that fights, openly and energetically, against terrorism, since it is mostly Muslims who suffer these atrocities and their consequences on a daily basis, directly and indirectly, throughout the world.
The Seville Mosque Foundation is governed by its board of trustees, made up of first and second generation Spanish Muslims, key figures of the past, present and future of Islam in this city, at the service of the Muslim community in particular and our city in general.
We have always been available, open to dialogue and cooperation. Trying to collaborate with different organizations, breaking with the strictly religious mold, through collaborations in cultural, economic, social, sporting fields, etc.
  • Islamophobia is an unquestionable social reality that must be stopped from all sectors of society.
  • We believe that there should be a clear distinction between Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism and aporophobia, often deliberately mixed.
  • At the same time, we have always called for a proactive response from the Muslim community, not reactive or victimizing. From internal criticism and seeing what we can do so that people see Islam for its light and reality.
We do not have a romantic or vindictive vision of the past of Al Andalus, as Spaniards, we do see it with pride, as one of the great civilizations that have contributed to making our country and society what it is today. We live in the present and we look to the future. The “Mosque” of Córdoba is not a mosque, it is a Cathedral and an architectural and historical gem. What makes a mosque is not its external form or architecture but what happens inside.
  • Both entities were founded by the Islamic Community in Spain, an entity registered with the Ministry of Justice since 1979 and a statutory member of the Islamic Commission of Spain, with registration number 019861 and CIF; R1800187E.
  • The Granada Mosque Foundation inaugurated in July 2003 the Mosque of Granada, after 25 years of incessant work. It will soon be 20 years since its opening, having been an example of coexistence with its neighbors, city and authorities.
  • Although with notable differences, due to the time, place and experience acquired, the Seville Mosque Foundation project is based on the work and precedent of this emblematic and exemplary place.
  • The Seville Mosque Foundation was constituted as an entity for the construction and management of the Islamic Cultural Center of Seville, and has among its purposes the promotion and development of all kinds of activities aimed at the dissemination and knowledge of cultural and religious life in accordance with the teachings of the Islam. Favouring activities and projects that may be beneficial in the cultural, social, civic, educational, sporting, ecological-environmental and economic spheres.
  • Therefore, we work in order to maintain a balance between the work for the future project and the activity and social reality of the present, through the regular activities, events and services that are provided mainly at our headquarters and mosque, in the Plaza Ponce de León.
Fundación Mezquita de Sevilla 2024