Thousands Sign Petition against Planned Muslim Prayer Hall in Western Hungary

File photo of a mosque.

A Muslim prayer house is being secretly built in Szombathely, western Hungary. Locals are up in arms, the formerly socialist party (MSZP) mayor is silent.

A social media entry states that “The Hungarian Islamic Community has taken an important step forward: we have purchased a closed hospitality venue in Szombathely, which we hope to transform into a mosque and a welcoming community space. This place is meant to be more than just a prayer hall — it will be a home for faith, peace, and togetherness. We sincerely hope to open it during the month of Ramadan, a time of generosity, reflection, and unity. However, the renovation requires significant support, and we kindly ask for your help. The work is at an advanced stage, and according to reports, the opening is scheduled for Ramadan, between February 17 and March 19.”

The social media entry was written in Hungarian, English, and Turkish. Some commenters took to their keyboards pointing out the irony of the timing of this Islamic prayer hall on the 500th anniversary of the battle of Mohács (1526), when Ottoman Turks defeated the Hungarian army, beginning 150 years of Islamic occupation. There are an estimated 120 Muslims, mostly Turks, in and near the Szombathely region.

The old pub to be repurposed into an Islamic prayer center. Photo: Facebook Hungarian Islamic Community

The property is a former pub, a rundown building that is being converted into a site of Muslim worship. Yet locals have complained that the town’s mayor, András Nemény, formerly of the Hungarian Socialist Party, now independent, has issued the permit without consultation with citizens. “Many people are only now realizing what is happening in this western Hungarian town near the border. Many are only now beginning to recognize the significance of this,” reads the petition launched in opposition against the project.

Mayor András Nemény (R) with PM Viktor Orbán before the latter’s pre-election rally in Szombathely. Photo: Facebook András Nemény

“Yet we are not talking about a minor change or investment. A building like this always becomes a symbol in the public space. It affects the daily lives, sense of security, and lives of those who live here. It is important to state that there is no need to incite hatred against the peaceful, law-abiding Muslims who are guests in our country. At the same time,

our Christian national heritage is being challenged by the spread of a religion that is completely foreign to our culture, even in rural areas, “

continues the petition. “The question is whether the majority will have a say in this, or whether they will have to swallow the bitter pill. Several examples from Western Europe warn us that if a religious institution is built with external funding, ideological influence, and an uncontrollable background, it can have serious consequences. Parallel communities may form, and coexistence may become tense. Good intentions are not enough if responsibility is not transparent.”

Szombathely. Photo: Pixabay

The authors claim that the issue is a warning sign for all of Hungary – “If such a significant investment can be pushed through in Szombathely against the will of the locals, it will be done elsewhere tomorrow… The opinion of the locals must be taken into account officially, in the form of public consultation, therefore we demand the immediate suspension of preparations for the opening of the mosque. We demand a comprehensive, public consultation.”

In referring to Western European examples, the authors of the petition are most likely referring to the rapid transformation of previously overwhelmingly Christian societies into ones visibly dominated by Islam. In Germany, for instance, there were only three purpose-built churches in 1990, today there are over 2,800, including prayer halls.

The petition against the Szombathely Muslim prayer hall has reached 10,000 signatures to date.

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