Austria's Muslim Experience: Friendly Or Foreign?

Austria is a secular country that respects religious freedom and tolerance. With a growing Muslim population, it is a popular destination for Muslim travellers, who are drawn to its many mosques, halal restaurants, and Islamic heritage sites. Muslims are a minority in Austria, accounting for around 8% of the population, but they are free to practise their religion and enjoy access to halal food and other services. The country's capital, Vienna, is particularly Muslim-friendly, offering a range of halal dining options and several mosques and Islamic centres. While Austria has a history of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims, the government has implemented policies to promote religious tolerance and respect for diversity, and such incidents have been condemned. Overall, Austria can be considered a Muslim-friendly country, offering a welcoming and inclusive experience for Muslim travellers and residents alike.

Austria's commitment to religious freedom and tolerance

Austria is a secular country that respects and promotes freedom of religion and tolerance. The country has a long history of religious diversity and has taken active steps to protect the rights of religious minorities, including Muslims.

The legal foundation for freedom of religion in Austria was established over two centuries, starting with the Patents of Tolerance of 1781/82. The Basic Law on the General Rights of Nationals of 1867 guarantees freedom of conscience and creed for all residents. This law, in combination with the Law regarding Inter-confessional Relationships of 1868, ensures that every person in Austria has the right to join or leave any church or religious community of their choice or abstain from joining any at all.

Austria is home to a diverse range of religious communities, with 16 legally recognised churches and religious communities, and 10 state-registered confessional communities. The country's largest religion is Christianity, with 68.2% of the population identifying as Christian in the 2021 national survey. However, there has been a decline in Christianity in recent decades, accompanied by a proliferation of other religions, particularly in the capital state of Vienna.

Islam is the largest minority religion in Austria, practised by 7.9% of the total population in 2016, according to the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The majority of Muslims in Austria belong to the Sunni denomination and have a Turkish or Bosniak background. The history of Muslims in Austria dates back to nomadic tribes from Asia that entered the region in 895. The Muslim population grew significantly after the Ottoman conquest of the Medieval kingdom of Hungary in the 16th century, and again after the Austro-Hungarian occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1878.

Austria has taken active steps to promote religious tolerance and respect for diversity. The Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs established an interreligious dialogue platform, bringing together representatives of all 16 legally acknowledged religious communities in the country. Additionally, the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue (KAICIID), based in Vienna, provides another important forum for dialogue and engagement.

Austria has also been a leader in promoting freedom of religion and protecting religious minorities on the international stage. The country has prioritised these issues during its membership in the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, and actively participates in the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). The "Vienna Declaration", which emerged from the 5th Global Forum of the UNAOC hosted in Vienna in 2013, highlights Austria's commitment to promoting freedom of religion globally.

While there have been some incidents of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims in Austria, these have been condemned by the government and civil society organisations. Overall, Austria is considered a Muslim-friendly country, with a growing Muslim population and a strong commitment to religious freedom and tolerance.

The availability of halal food and mosques

Austria is a secular country that respects religious freedom and tolerance. With a growing Muslim population, the country has made efforts to cater to Muslim travellers and residents. Here is some information about the availability of halal food and mosques in Austria:

Halal Food in Austria:

Austria has a significant Muslim population, with around 700,000 Muslims, which makes up around 8% of the total population. Due to this sizeable community, halal food is readily available in many restaurants and supermarkets across the country, especially in areas with a high Muslim population.

Austrian cuisine already offers numerous vegetarian dishes that can be suitable for Muslims, and there is a wide range of fish dishes available too. For meat lovers, there is no shortage of Turkish, Arabic, Egyptian, and Indian restaurants serving halal food. The largest selection of halal dining options can be found in the capital, Vienna.

In addition, there are several Turkish, Arabic, and Indian supermarkets in Austria, catering to the diverse needs of the Muslim community. These markets offer a wide range of foreign ingredients and products, making it convenient for Muslims to find familiar foods and halal-certified products.

Mosques in Austria:

Austria is home to numerous mosques that serve the Muslim community. The exact number of mosques varies depending on the source, with some stating there are over 400 mosques, while others mention 124 or 205 registered mosques. There are also hundreds of unregistered prayer rooms available for Muslims to worship.

The Islamic Centre of Vienna, also known as the Islamic Center of Vienna or the Islamic Center Vienna, is one of the most prominent mosques in the country. It is jointly controlled by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Malaysia and is known for its cosmopolitan and integration-friendly sermons. This mosque is the largest and oldest in Vienna and was built in the late 1970s.

Other notable mosques in Vienna include the Kuba Mosque, Hidaya Mosque, Schura Mosque, and Haci Bayram Mosque. Outside of Vienna, the Bosnian Islamic Union, Krems Moschee, Salzburg Prayer Room, Salzburg Moschee, and the Islamic Cultural Association are prominent mosques in Salzburg.

While there have been concerns about the influence of political Islam in some mosques, the Austrian government has taken steps to address these issues. The government has passed laws to prevent foreign funding of mosques and regulate the training of imams, requiring them to be proficient in German.

Overall, Austria offers a good selection of halal food options and mosques for Muslim travellers and residents. The country's commitment to promoting religious tolerance and diversity makes it a welcoming and inclusive destination.

The country's Islamic heritage sites

Austria is a secular country that respects religious freedom and tolerance. With a growing Muslim population, it is a popular destination for Muslim travellers, who are drawn to its many mosques, halal restaurants, and Islamic heritage sites. Here is a detailed list of some of the country's most significant Islamic heritage sites:

Islamic Centre of Vienna

The Islamic Centre of Vienna, or Islamisches Zentrum Wien, is the biggest mosque in Austria. It was opened in 1979 and serves as a central place of worship for the Muslim community in the country. The mosque is a must-visit for anyone interested in Islamic architecture and design, featuring a unique blend of traditional and modern elements.

Historic Centre of Vienna

The Historic Centre of Vienna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has long been acknowledged as the musical capital of Europe. The site is home to a rich collection of architectural ensembles in various styles, including Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late 19th-century Ringstraße. Visitors can explore the historic centre and discover the rich Islamic influence in the city's architectural and cultural heritage.

Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn

The Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the residence of the powerful Habsburg emperors from the 18th century to 1918. Built in the opulent Rococo style, the palace and its gardens stand as a testament to the wealth and influence of the Habsburg dynasty. The site is also home to the world's oldest continuously operating zoo.

Hallstatt–Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape

This picturesque village is surrounded by breathtaking mountainous landscapes. The region is known for its rich history of salt mining, which dates back to the 2nd millennium BCE. The Hallstatt culture, an Iron Age society, flourished in this area, leaving a significant cultural and historical impact.

City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg

The historic centre of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the grandeur of the Habsburg family, who lived here for centuries. The city boasts grand buildings in a variety of styles, including Baroque and Gothic, thanks to the expansion and beautification projects undertaken by the Habsburgs and other local nobles.

These Islamic heritage sites in Austria offer a glimpse into the country's rich cultural and religious diversity. They stand as a testament to the influence and contributions of Islam in Austrian society, architecture, and history.

Austria's growing Muslim population

Austria's Muslim population has been growing steadily over the last few decades, increasing from 0.2% of the population in the 1971 census to 8.3% in 2021. This makes Islam the largest minority religion in the country, with the majority of Austrian Muslims being Sunni.

The growth of the Muslim population in Austria can be attributed to several factors. One significant factor is immigration, particularly from Muslim-majority countries such as Turkey and the former Yugoslavia. Many Muslims came to Austria during the 1960s as migrant workers, and the country also accepted a large number of refugees from the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s. Additionally, Austria has seen an increase in the number of Muslim asylum seekers in recent years, with Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Chechnya, and Somalia being the top countries of origin.

Another factor contributing to the growth of the Muslim population in Austria is the high fertility rate among Muslims. According to a 2017 survey, 42% of Austrian Muslims considered themselves "highly religious", and religious values are important to the community. This may contribute to larger family sizes, which can lead to a higher birth rate.

The Austrian government has implemented various policies to promote religious tolerance and respect for diversity. In 1912, Austria legally recognised Islam as a state religion, and in 1979, it acknowledged the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (Islamische Glaubensgemeinschaft in Österreich, IGGiÖ) as the official representative of all Muslims in the country. This recognition grants Muslims equal rights to those of other legally recognised religious communities.

However, despite these positive steps, there have been challenges to religious integration in Austria. Some Muslim organisations have criticised the IGGiÖ for not adequately representing all Muslims in the country. Additionally, there is a tension between the inclusionary model of religious governance and the exclusionary model of citizenship, where non-naturalised Muslim migrants may be granted religious rights but denied social, economic, and political rights. This has created a complex situation that has been further exacerbated by secularisation and recent policy changes that restrict the public practice of Islam.

Furthermore, while Austria is generally considered a safe country for Muslims, there have been incidents of Islamophobia, discrimination, and hate crimes. Right-wing extremist groups and the media have contributed to rising anti-Muslim sentiment, and the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) has increasingly employed Islamophobic populism in its campaigns. Despite these challenges, Austria remains a popular destination for Muslim travellers and those seeking a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Incidents of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims

Austria is a secular country that respects religious freedom and tolerance. However, there have been incidents of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims in the country. Here are some examples:

• The Prohibition on Face Coverings: In October 2017, the Austrian government, led by Chancellor Christian Kern, passed a law banning the covering of faces in public. This law was widely perceived as Islamophobic and discriminatory towards Muslim women who wear religious face veils. Despite the rarity of face veils in Austria, with only about 100-150 women wearing them, the law was enacted and enforced with fines.
• Closure of Mosques and Deportation of Imams: In 2018, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced the closure of seven mosques and the deportation of 40 imams paid by Turkey. This decision was justified as a measure to counter political Islam and promote secularism. However, it was criticised for failing to distinguish between religious practices and political ideologies.
• Headscarf Ban for Children: In October 2018, Austria implemented a ban on headscarves for children in kindergarten. While the ban was motivated by protecting children from family pressure, it was seen as discriminatory towards Muslim families and an infringement on religious freedom.
• Operation Luxor: On November 9, 2020, Austrian authorities conducted a nationwide series of arrests and raids, known as Operation Luxor, targeting prominent Muslims and Muslim civil society activists. Nearly 70 individuals and organisations were targeted, with nearly 1,000 police officers involved. This operation was criticised as a crackdown on Muslim civil society and an attempt to silence politically active Austrian Muslims.
• Surveillance and Monitoring of Muslim Associations: The Austrian government has increased surveillance and monitoring of Muslim associations, citing concerns of political Islam and extremism. This has included the establishment of state-funded institutions, such as the Documentation Centre for Political Islam, which has been criticised for its critical stance towards Islam.
• Islam Map: Critics have denounced the creation of an "Islam Map" by experts from the Islamic Theological Institute of Vienna University. This map lists the addresses of all Islamic institutions in the country, raising concerns about the potential monitoring and stigmatisation of Muslim activities and the security risks posed by publishing private addresses.
• Discrimination in Employment and Education: Muslims in Austria face higher unemployment rates and barriers to education. Approximately 40% of Austrian-born Muslims leave school before the age of 17, and they encounter greater challenges in accessing the labour market compared to the general population.
• Hate Crimes and Discrimination: Austria has witnessed an increase in hate crimes and incidents of anti-Muslim sentiment. Dokustelle, an initiative documenting anti-Muslim incidents, recorded 1,324 incidents in 2022, including physical and verbal attacks, vandalism, and online hate speech.
• Media and Political Rhetoric: The Freedom Party of Austria and the tabloid Neue Kronenzeitung have been identified as significant contributors to anti-Muslim sentiment in the country. Additionally, political rhetoric, such as that from the ÖVP and FPÖ, has at times fuelled Islamophobia and encouraged anti-immigrant sentiment.
• Perceived Threats and Stereotypes: Studies have found that terrorist attacks, refugee movements, and perceived barriers to integration have contributed to fears of Islam and stereotypes about Muslims in Austrian society. Muslims are often regarded as outsiders and criticised for their religious practices and gender roles.

Frequently asked questions