Lithuania

Islam in Lithuania is a very small but historically significant religious minority, primarily associated with the Lipka Tatar community, which has lived in the region for centuries.

1. Population & Demographics
Muslims make up less than 0.1% of Lithuania’s population — around 3,000 to 4,000 people. The Muslim population includes:

  • Lithuanian Tatars (Lipka Tatars) — descendants of Tatar soldiers who settled in the region in the 14th–15th centuries.
  • Recent Muslim immigrants from countries like Turkey, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.
  • A small number of ethnic Lithuanian converts.

2. History of Islam in Lithuania

  • Lipka Tatars arrived in Lithuania during the rule of Grand Duke Vytautas in the 14th century. They were invited to serve as military allies and were granted land and religious freedom.
  • Over time, Tatars in Lithuania largely lost their Tatar language, adopting Lithuanian or Polish, but they retained their Sunni Islamic faith.
  • Under Soviet rule, religious practice was heavily suppressed.
  • After Lithuania regained independence in 1990, Islamic religious and cultural life revived.

3. Religious Institutions & Mosques
Lithuania is home to three historic wooden mosques — rare in Europe:

  • Kaunas Mosque (the only brick mosque).
  • Nemėžis Mosque (near Vilnius).
  • Keturiasdešimt Totorių Mosque (“Forty Tatars” village).

The Kaunas Mosque, built in 1930, serves as the main center for religious services. The Mufti of Lithuania represents the small Muslim community and manages Islamic religious affairs.

4. Islam in Public Life

  • Islam is a recognized religion under Lithuanian law.
  • Muslims are free to worship, maintain mosques, and celebrate religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (though these are not public holidays).
  • Halal food is available in some stores catering to immigrants and tourists.
  • Islamic education is informal, offered mainly by community leaders or visiting scholars.

5. Integration & Challenges

  • The Lipka Tatars are well integrated into Lithuanian society and are seen as a historic and respected minority.
  • New Muslim immigrants have faced some public suspicion or stereotyping, but incidents of Islamophobia are rare.
  • The main challenges include the preservation of Tatar Islamic identity and a lack of religious teachers and imams.

6. Cultural Significance

  • Lithuanian Tatars have contributed to military, culinary, and cultural life in Lithuania.
  • Traditional Tatar dishes like “šimtalapis” (a type of pastry) remain part of Lithuanian cuisine.
  • The community celebrates Tatar heritage days and participates in interfaith events.

Summary:
Islam in Lithuania is one of Europe’s oldest Muslim communities, thanks to the presence of the Lipka Tatars, who have lived there for over 600 years. Though small in number, the Muslim community is peacefully integrated, legally protected, and culturally respected, with a distinct historical legacy in Lithuania.

Lithuania
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .lt
Country Code: +370