Description of the attraction
The Arab Cultural Center, which is located in Odessa, is a unique monument of Arab culture in Ukraine. Muslims have lived in Odessa since ancient times. After all, once on the territory of South Palmyra there was a Tatar settlement Khadzhibey, an impregnable Turkish fortress was also built here. During the birth of Odessa, not only many Catholics, Orthodox and Jews, but also Muslims lived here. At that time, a mosque operated in the city, and a Muslim cemetery operated outside the city.
During the Soviet era, when all religious institutions were closed, the mosque was also closed. It was only in 1992 that the Muslim community officially began to operate in Odessa again. Thanks to the help of the Syrian businessman Michel Mohammed, the community could gather for Friday prayers on the territory of the former kindergarten on Yakir Street. And in June 2001, the Arab Cultural Center opened its doors warmly. The building of the center is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful buildings of the last decade.
The main slogan of the center is "It doesn't matter what religion you profess, the main thing is that you profess spirituality." This means that its doors are open to everyone. It is worth remembering the rules of conduct in a Muslim temple. So if you want to visit the prayer hall, you need to take off your shoes before entering, and especially for women, a long robe with a hood is issued.
The center can be visited every day (except Friday). This is not only a house of prayer, the center has an active educational role. So, here you can attend Arabic language courses absolutely free of charge; an extensive library operates on the basis of the center. Meetings between representatives of different religions are constantly held here.
