Ottakringer Street

Secret mosque in former grocery store

Residents Christian Schneider (right), Renate Domnanich (center) and neighbors in front of the mosque(Bild: Zwefo)

Muslim religious services are now held where fruit and vegetables used to be sold. However, there is no permit for such gatherings. The Vienna building police are investigating.

The long-time residents of Ottakringer Straße 113 have experienced a lot over the years, the district has changed and Muslim neighbors in particular have moved in. Until recently, living together worked reasonably well, but for a few months now, religious celebrations have been attracting unpleasant attention.

Advertised on the internet
"We noticed that the store on the ground floor of our building had been refurnished," says Renate Domnanich. However, it was not ordinary furniture, but furnishings for a mosque. The Al-Fajr mosque is also widely advertised on the Internet. 

Residents Christian Schneider (right), Renate Domnanich (center) and neighbors in front of the mosque(Bild: Zwefo)

Noise and strangers
Whenever a service is held, the owners complain about noise and strangers in the stairwell. They had hoped that the change of ownership would solve the problems. Where the mosque is now located, there was previously an exotic grocery store whose old, noisy air conditioning units and water damage were a nuisance to the residents.

It is inconceivable that the IGGÖ is operating a mosque that has not been approved by the authorities. This is probably not an isolated case. I am calling for 'action sharp'.

FPÖ-Wien-Chef Dominik Nepp

The difference to the current situation, however, is that the previous owner operated his business properly. In contrast to the Muslim place of worship. "We have been informed and the premises must be used for business purposes," says Christian Schneider. Inquiries to the Islamic Religious Community (IGGÖ) remained unanswered. 

"With official approval from the Kultusamt"
The IGGÖ says to the "Krone": "The Al-Fajr Mosque is an IGGÖ mosque with official approval from the Kultusamt." However, the building police see things differently: "The premises are not approved for gatherings, we will look into the matter. If necessary, a building order will be issued to stop the unauthorized use."

The Ministry of Culture states: "The registration of cultural facilities is not an official approval of a facility. Facilities are registered with the Ministry of Culture, the examination is the sole responsibility of the religious community."

Criticism comes from the FPÖ. "The IGGÖ is known for its Islamist tendencies. It must therefore be dissolved as the official representation of all Muslims in Austria," demands Vienna FPÖ leader Dominik Nepp.