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Florence
(Italy): Muslim leaders in Italy have unveiled the
model of a mosque to be constructed in Florence with minarets
having resemblance of the cathedral's bell tower designed by
medieval period architect Giotto.
"Florence needs to have a mosque that rivals the city's historic
beauty and cultural wealth," said the central Italian art city's
imam, Elzir Izzedine.
"The project is almost complete and
will soon be presented to the mayor of Florence, Matteo Renzi, to
plan its construction, said Izzedine, who also heads the union of
Islamic communities in Italy, UCOII.
Renzi has already said that he is not against a mosque in the
city.
"If our Muslim friends present a
project, we will evaluate it and have an open-minded discussion
about it," he said.
The black, green and white marble mosque boasts an open gallery,
six arches with a large circular ornamental window or rosette, a
prayer hall and two minarets.
Architect David Napolitano said he designed the exterior of the
mosque to make it look similar to many of the city's landmark
churches and buildings.
The mosque has received several positive reactions to the plans,
including messages of support from local Christian communities,
Napolitano said.
But leaders of the anti-immigrant Northern League have opposed the
proposal, saying the move was a threat to the stability of Italian
society.
Some Northern League politicians have suggested a referendum be
held on its construction.
The Northern League has paraded pigs over mosque building sites,
which is home to more than one million Muslims.
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