SWITZERLANDS Source: Pinterest 47
Switzerland, a federal country located in the heart of Europe, holds a position of considerable importance on the global stage. The city of Bern serves as the administrative center, where crucial governance functions and administrative affairs are conducted. Meanwhile, the city of Lausanne stands as the esteemed center for Switzerland's judiciary, housing its esteemed courts and legal institutions. Despite its relatively small land area, approximately half the size of Scotland, Switzerland's impact and influence transcend its modest population, further solidifying its significance within the international community. The majority of people in Switzerland (69%) embrace Christianity as their faith. Catholicism, the Swiss Reformed Church, Eastern Orthodoxy and Other Christians are the top four Christian denominations in Switzerland. With 3.40%, Islam is the second-largest religion. Jews, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other minor religions are example of other smaller religions. Switzerlands are a very popular place for Muslims and non-Muslims to visit. Millions of people visit it every year because it is a beautiful and interesting city. There are a lot of museums, things to don in nature, and places to shop that are sure to please every visitor. Here's a few top halal and Muslim friendly places that Muslim tourists went to. SWITZERLANDs 48
Via Mezdi 27, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland +41 81 838 3838 [email protected] Check-in: 15:00 Check-out: 12:00 Languages spoke: German, Italian, and Romansh Ratings and Reviews: Muslim-Friendly Features There is always halal food on the property. If asked in advance, the hotel can provide halal meals. Within 500 metres of the property, there are restaurants, cafes, and markets that serve halal food. Halal Food Indoor pool (Modest swimwear allowed) Sauna (Ladies only) Massage (Private-hire) Muslim Friendly Facilities If a room is book through HalalBooking, alcohol is taken out of the room. Alcohol-Free Areas GRAND HOTEL DES BAINS KEMPINSKI MUSLIM FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION Credit: Booking.com 49
LAUSANNE PALACE ARENA RESORTS & SPA VOCTORIALAUBERHORN Credit: V. Lauberhorn Wengen Rue du Grand-Chêne 7-9, 1002 Lausannem Switzerland +41 21 331 3131 [email protected] Check-in: From 15:00 Check-out: Until 12:00 Languages spoken: English and French Ratings: Credit: TripAdvisor Dorfstrasse 1, 3823 Wengen BE, Switzerland +41 33 856 29 29 [email protected] Check-in: 15:00 - 22:00 Check-out: 08:00 - 10:00 Languages spoken: English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish Muslim-Friendly Facilities If asked in advance, the hotel can provide halal meals. Within 500 metres of the property, there are restaurants, cafes, and markets that serve halal food. Halal Food If a room is book through HalalBooking, alcohol is taken out of the room. Alcohol-Free Areas Muslim-Friendly Facilities If asked in advance, the hotel can provide halal meals. Within 500 metres of the property, there are restaurants, cafes, and markets that serve halal food. Halal Food 50
Halal status: Muslim-owned Address: Stampfenbachstrasse 32, Zurich 8006 Switzerland Opening hours : 11am-2pm & 6pm-930pm MUSLIM-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Bombay Karachi served an Indian and Pakistani authentic halal food such as Fish Masala, Bombay Karachi, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken menu including vegetarian menu. 1.BOMBAY KARACHI 2. MEZZE Mezze Restaurant serves the best Lebanese food in Zurich. One of the customers has left a review on TripAdvisor in which he mentioned that the food is made fresh and has a lot of greens. The restaurant also serves the best shawarma. Not to mention that the restaurant also has good service and sells at reasonable prices Halal status: Muslim-owned Address: Brandstrasse 29 8952, Schlieren 8952 Switzerland Opening Hours: 11 am - 1030 pm Source : Google reviews Source : Google reviews 51 Source: Marco Syfrig
TOP 3 MOSQUES IN SWITZERLAND Credit to Word Press 52
GGeenneevvaa MMoossqquuee,, SSwwiittzzeerrllaanndd In 1978, the Geneva Mosque was built. The building has a 22- meter-tall minaret. With a capacity for 1500 Muslims at a time, the Geneva Mosque is the largest mosque in the nation. The late King of Saudi Arabia, (Late) King Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz, officially opened this mosque. The President of the Swiss Federation presided over the mosque's opening alongside other dignitaries. The First Islamic Center was established in Geneva in 1960, but as time has gone, this location grew too small to house Muslims. In 1975, one of the doctors who was also King Saud of Saudi Arabia's personal doctor and had previously served as a U.N. delegate made a proposal for a new, much larger mosque before a particular committee. The new mosque was built with money provided by King Faisal and King Fahd. Credit to Word Press Credit to Tribune De Geneva 53
MMaahhmmuudd MMoossqquuee,, ZZuurriicchh The Mahmood Mosque, also known as Mahmud-Moschee, is the oldest mosque in Switzerland built specifically for religious purposes. It is located on Forchstrasse in Zurich. The mosque is owned and operated by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. It has a minaret, but currently, the construction of new minarets in Switzerland is not allowed according to a vote. The mosque's foundation stone was laid on August 25, 1962, by Amatul Hafiz Begum, the daughter of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement. The mosque was officially inaugurated in June 1963, with notable attendees like Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan and Emil Landolt, the City-President of Zurich. From June 1962 to January 1975, Mushtaq Ahmad Bajwa served as the leader of the Ahmadiyya mission in Switzerland. Credit to Wikipedia 54
MMaaddnnii MMaassjjiidd ,, ZZuurriicchh In Zurich, Madni Masjid Zurich was founded in 1996 under the sponsorship of the Swiss Muslim Society. This Masjid was built to serve as a place of worship for the population of Urdu learners in the area. By Allah's blessing, Madni Masjid offers all religious services to Muslims living in Switzerland of all nationalities, not just those who understand Urdu. The local Muslim community provides donations to the non-profit Swiss Muslim Society, which uses these funds to pay all of its operating costs. Credit to Trockenbau 55
BEST MUSLIM FRIENDLY DESTINATION 56 Source: Britannica SWITZERLAND
57 Zurich is blessed with a stunning lake that offers picturesque views and a delightful array of promenades, parks, and gardens to wander through. The city's natural beauty is further enhanced by the presence of this magnificent lake. In the summer, both residents and visitors flock to the public beaches and baths along the lake to take a refreshing swim. With water temperatures reaching up to 20°C in the warm month of August, it's an ideal spot to cool off. Exploring Lake Zurich by boat during the summer is an absolute must-do experience. It's not only a fun activity but also a fantastic way to fully appreciate the lake's splendor. Whether you're a local or a tourist, taking a boat trip around the shores of Lake Zurich is highly recommended. It offers a unique perspective and allows you to soak in the captivating scenery that this city has to offer. The Swiss word for "Zurich Lake" is "Zürichsee," and it's a large lake to the southeast of the city. The glaciers of the Glarus Mountains, a type of mountain in the Swiss Alps, are the source of the river linth, which flows into the lake. Source: Trip
58 The Swiss National Museum Source: PlanetOfHotels The Swiss National Museum was constructed in the nineteenth century. It is the biggest building in the country and holds a huge collection of Swiss historical items and exhibits that tell the story of the country's history, especially the growth of Swiss manufacturing, art, and craft. At first, the museum was supposed to be built in Bern, but in the end, it was decided built in Zürich. The Swiss National Museum is one of the most significant culturalhistorical art institutions in Europe. Old Town and Lake Zurich are within walking distance. The museum displays an impressive collection of pile-dwelling relics. As soon as you enter the museum, you are transported from prehistoric dwellings through the Middle Ages and into the 20th century. In addition, it includes an extensive collection of gothic and porcelain art, as well as wooden sculptures, panel paintings, and carved altars.
Zurich Zoo The over 90-year-old Zurich Zoo is located in Zürichberg, in the Fluntern district of the city. The zoo is set high above Zurich's roofs, surrounded by nature, yet nonetheless easily accessible from the city centre. While visiting the Zoo Zürich, do not even miss the Masoala Rainforest Hall, which opened in 2004. The attraction is named after Madagascar's Masoala Peninsula, which is also the source of hundreds of different local flora and animals. The attraction is named after Madagascar's Masoala Peninsula, which is home to hundreds of various species of natural flora and 60 distinct and unique species. B E S T M U S L I M F R I E N D L Y D E S T I N A T I O N Source: Zoo Zurich 59
B O S N IA A N D HE RZE G O VI N A Source: exodustravels 60
Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its cultural heritage and great architecture in urban cities. Source: travelsewhere 61
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Situated at the cultural crossroads of East and West in the Balkans, between Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina is a truly diverse nation. Its rich history has been shaped by the convergence of Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations from the East, and the Romans and Austro-Hungarians from the West, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in Europe. The Balkans region has emerged as a renowned tourist destination, catering to the needs of Muslim travelers seeking Halal vacations, along with a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. Source: Exodustravels Despite its tragic history, Bosnia has become one of the most popular tourist destinations. The area is known for its tranquil, breathtaking mountain scenery and its town's historic structures and ancient architecture. The lakes, waterfalls, and lush greenery are breathtaking panoramas, especially the rural charm of the Bosnian countryside. As a result of many cultural and historical transformations throughout the years, Bosnia has become a unique tourism destination worth visiting. 62
Mostar: UNESCO World heritage site The Sutjeska National Park, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is the oldest national park. It was established in 1962. Part of the National Park is one of Europe's last two natural forests. Tourists can do things like rafting, cycling, and hiking, which are all fun and exciting. Summer and fall are the most popular times to visit the park. WHERE TO GO AT BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Source: Viator A monument created dedicate for fallen soldiers in the battle of Sutjeska. It is a beautiful monument sculptor by Miodrag Zivkovic. THE SUTJESKA NATIONAL PARK Source: getyourguide MOSTAR Mostar, with its iconic Ottoman-style bridge, is a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Explore the city's diverse architecture reflecting various cultures and history. Don't forget to visit the stunning Kravice Falls nearby for a peaceful retreat. 63
64 Located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Jahorina mountain is home to the country's largest and most prestigious ski resort, the Jahorina Olympic. The snowy sceneries and winter activities at Jahorina are to be noticed by everyone. The 1984 Winter Olympics were held in both Sarajevo and Jahorina. The slopes of Jahorina Mountain are a favourite of not just the world's best skiers and snowboarders but also all winter sports enthusiasts. More than 25 kilometres of ski tracks in Jahorina are colourcoded for skiers of varying skill levels and preferences. Blue routes are the easiest, and black trails are the most difficult. Source: sarajevo.travel THE JAHORINA MOUNTAIN Source: TripAdvisor SARAJEVO TUNNEL ATTRACTION This is a great sight to understand the 90s better in Sarajevo and would recommend going here, especially with a guide.Various artifacts of the war were also on display certainly worth the visit. The Sarajevo Tunnel, also known as the Tunnel of Hope, was constructed between March and June 1993, during the Siege of Sarajevo, during the Bosnian War. The Bosnian Army built it to connect the city of Sarajevo. After the war, the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum was constructed atop the historic private residence, whose cellar served as the tunnel's entrance. Visitors can still stroll a short distance through the tunnel (approximately 20 metres).
65 THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOSQUES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA The Ferhat Pasha Mosque, built in 1579, stands as a remarkable masterpiece of Islamic architecture and holds the prestigious status of being a national monument in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although it suffered destruction during the Bosnia and Herzegovina war in 1993, the mosque underwent extensive reconstruction in the 21st century and was successfully completed in 2016, restoring its grandeur for future generations to admire. FERHAT PASHA MOSQUE, BANJA LUKA “A MOSQUE IS NOT JUST A BUILDING. IT’S A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER CAN COME AND LEARN ABOUT THEIR RELIGION.” Sources: rferl.org The exterior features typical classical Ottoman architecture, with the central dome reaching 18 metres and the minaret reaching 43 meters. The Ferhat Pasha Mosque is quite small compared to others. The exterior features a courtyard, fountain, and graveyard containing notable Bosnians.
66 ALI PASHA MOSQUE, SARAJEVO Sources: TripAdvisor It is believed that the mosque was constructed in 1560 during the Ottoman period, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful and harmonious mosques constructed in the traditional Ottoman style. The mosque is located a short distance west of Bascarsija, close to Sarajevo's green spaces and the city centre. The design is basic, with a single huge dome over the prayer space and three smaller ones surrounding it. Ali Pasha's mosque was damaged throughout the Siege of Sarajevo (1992–95), and the renovations were completed in 2004. It is now a Bosnia and Herzegovina National Monument.
67 EMPEROR'S MOSQUE, SARAJEVO The first mosque was constructed of wood and was significantly smaller than the existing structure, which was constructed in 1565. ON THE BANKS OF THE MILYACKA RIVER, THERE IS A STUNNING VIEW OF SARAJEVO'S EMPEROR'S MOSQUE. The Emperor's Mosque was founded in 1457 on the southern bank of the Miljacka River in Sarajevo. Isa Bey Ishakovic, the founder of Sarajevo and the city's first governor, constructed the main neighborhood. Five years later, in 1462, Bascarsija was established on the opposite bank of the river and became the commercial hub. A new bridge connected the old bazaar to the neighbouring residential area and the mosque. Sources: Wikipedia
Address: Prote Bakovića 4, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating: 9 a.m. – 12 noon hours Contact: +387 33 440-700 Nanina Kuhinja Dine Like A True Bosnian Source: Google Reviews Under the Linden Tree Address: Kundurdziluk 35, Bascarsija, 71000 Sarajevo Operating: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. hours Contact: +033 533 333 Source: Tripadvisor (Grandma ’ s Kitchen) Source: Rool Paap On Flickr Source: Have Halal Will Travel Halal Restaurant 68
Address: Bravadžiluk 13, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating: Daily, 8.30 a.m. – 11 p.m. hours Contact: +387 33 532-519 Vezir Dine Like A True Bosnian Source: Tripadvisor Ćevabdžinica Mrkva Address: Bravadžiluk 26, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating: Monday – Saturday, hours 9am – 8pm Contact: +387 33 446-677 Source: Have Halal Will Travel Source: @wienerbaklava on Instagram Source: Have Halal Will Travel Halal Restaurant 69
Conclusion This e-book invites you on an extraordinary voyage of Muslim-friendly travel throughout Europe. With curated destinations, insightful information, and a thorough guide, we empower Muslim travellers and celebrate the harmonious combination of faith and adventure. Our selected cities offer distinct Muslim-friendly amenities and captivating experiences, ranging from tranquil landscapes to lively streets, historic charm to breathtaking beauty. This e-book is a valuable resource for all readers, as it explores historical significance, architectural marvels, diverse communities, and mouth-watering cuisines, revealing concealed treasures awaiting your discovery. We provide readers of all ages and interests with captivating anecdotes, useful advice, and a profound appreciation for these entrancing cities. Join us as we explore the diversity and majesty of Europe while creating unforgettable memories. 70
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