Islam in Austria is a legally recognized religion with a significant history and presence. Here’s an overview covering historical, legal, demographic, and social aspects:
Islam in Austria: An Overview
Historical Background
Islam has been officially recognized in Austria since 1912, following the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This makes Austria one of the first countries in Western Europe to legally recognize Islam as a religion. The Islamgesetz (Islam Law) of 1912 granted Muslims the right to practice their faith freely and established Islam as an officially recognized religion.
Demographics
As of recent estimates:
- Around 8% of Austria’s population is Muslim.
- This translates to approximately 700,000 people (as of 2023).
- The majority of Muslims in Austria are Sunni, with smaller communities of Alevi, Shia, and Ahmadi Muslims.
Most Muslims have roots in:
- Turkey (largest group, arrived as guest workers in the 1960s–70s)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo and other Balkan countries
- Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan (especially since the 2015 refugee wave)
Legal Status and Institutions
- Islam is represented officially by the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ), which acts as the formal representative of Muslims to the state.
- Austrian law allows Muslims to establish mosques, religious schools, and cemeteries, and to provide Islamic religious education in public schools.
- Islamic studies can also be pursued at certain universities, including University of Vienna.
The 2015 Islam Law Reform
In 2015, Austria passed a controversial update to the 1912 Islam Law. Key points include:
- Ban on foreign funding of Muslim religious institutions (aimed at promoting an “Austrian Islam”).
- Requirement that Imams be trained in Austria.
- Greater government oversight of Muslim organizations.
- While supporters saw it as promoting integration and independence from foreign influence, critics viewed it as discriminatory—since similar laws were not applied to other religions.
Social and Political Context
- Islam has been a polarizing topic in Austrian politics, especially in debates over immigration, integration, and national identity.
- Right-wing and populist parties have often campaigned on anti-Islam or anti-immigration platforms, pushing for bans on:
- Full-face veils (banned in public spaces since 2017)
- Headscarves for young girls in schools (attempts made but legally challenged)
- Islamophobia and discrimination have been reported, especially in employment, education, and housing.
Mosques and Community Life
- There are over 300 mosques and prayer spaces in Austria.
- Major cities like Vienna, Graz, Linz, and Salzburg have vibrant Muslim communities with active religious, cultural, and social organizations.
- Muslim youth are increasingly engaged in interfaith dialogue, community activism, and academic discourse around the role of Islam in a European context.
Conclusion
Islam in Austria is both historically rooted and dynamically evolving. Despite challenges related to integration, representation, and public perception, the Muslim community continues to play a vital role in Austria’s multicultural fabric. Balancing religious freedom with social cohesion remains a key issue for both Austrian society and its Muslim citizens.
Austria
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .at
Country Code: +43