Islam in Estonia

Islam in Estonia

ByEditorial Team

According to 2024 estimates, the number of people who profess Islam in Estonia was 10,000, or 0.72% of the total population. Despite the small Muslim population, the presence of Islam in Estonia dates back centuries, with coins from the Islamic world discovered in the region dating as far back as the 8th century. The largest Muslim groups in Estonia consist of Tatars (of Mishar origin) and Azeris, with smaller amounts of Muslims belonging to various regional and ethnic backgrounds, including converts to Islam.

Most Estonian Muslims are Sunni, with the exception of Azeris who practice Shia Islam. The majority of Muslims in Estonia live in or around the capital city of Tallinn, where the Estonian Islamic Centre serves as the primary center of worship due to the absence of a mosque in the country. While the Muslim community in Estonia is small, it is considered to be tolerant and politically moderate, with Sunnis and Shias worshipping jointly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Muslim population in Estonia is estimated to be around 10,000, or 0.72% of the total population.
  • The largest Muslim groups in Estonia are Tatars and Azeris, with the majority being Sunni Muslims, except for the Shia Azeris.
  • The Estonian Islamic Centre serves as the main center of worship for Muslims in the country due to the absence of a mosque.
  • Islam has a long history in Estonia, with coins from the Islamic world dating back to the 8th century found in the region.
  • Estonian Muslims are considered tolerant and politically moderate, with Sunnis and Shias worshipping jointly.

Introduction

Estonia has a small but growing Islamic community that has maintained a tolerant and politically moderate presence in the country. The first documented Muslims in Estonia were Russian Empire soldiers who arrived during the Livonian War in the 16th century. By the mid-19th century, the Tatar community had established a mosque with a serving imam within Tallinn.

In the late 19th century, a new wave of Tatar immigrants arrived in Estonia as merchants, leading to the establishment of a mosque in Narva. Today, the Muslim community in Estonia is described as peaceful, homogenous, and well-integrated into Estonian society. There are no apparent trends toward fundamentalism within the community.

While the Muslim population in Estonia has been slowly growing, primarily through conversions and immigration, the community remains a small minority. The majority of information accessed by Estonian Muslims is obtained through the web, which has led to the widespread distribution of false information and potential exposure to extremist views.

International organizations such as Jamaat Tabligh, Awqaf General Trust, Al-Waqf Al-Islam, Muslim World League, and the World Assembly of Muslim Youth have contacts with Estonian Muslims. This highlights the need to address misconceptions and foster inclusivity within the Islam in Estonia, Muslim population Estonia, and Islamic communities Estonia.

Demographic Profile

According to recent statistics, the Muslim population in Estonia is estimated to be around 10,000, or approximately 0.72% of the total population. The largest Muslim groups in the country are Tatars, who are of Mishar origin, and Azeris, with smaller numbers of Muslims from various regional and ethnic backgrounds, including converts to Islam.

The majority of Muslims in Estonia follow the Sunni branch of Islam, with the exception of the Azerbaijani community, who are predominantly Shia. The majority of Estonian Muslims reside in or around the capital city of Tallinn.

Muslim Population Statistics and Composition

While the Muslim population in Estonia is relatively small, it has seen a gradual increase in recent years. In 2008, the estimated number of Muslims in the country was around 4,000. By 2024, this figure had risen to 10,000, reflecting the growing diversity of Estonia’s religious landscape.

The religious affiliation of the Estonian population is diverse, with Islam accounting for 0.5% of the religious population as of 2021. In comparison, Lutheranism represents 7.7%, Eastern Orthodoxy 16.3%, and those with no declared religious affiliation make up 58.4% of the population.

The changing ethnic and religious composition of Estonia is also evident in the citizenship and demographic data. Estonian citizenship was held by 84.7% of residents in 2021, down from 85.2% in 2011 and 80% in 2000. Meanwhile, the number of residents with Russian citizenship has decreased from 90,510 in 2011 to 81,695 in 2021. The diversity of Estonia’s population is further reflected in the fact that residents from 151 countries were present in Estonia in 2021, up from 118 in 2011.

Historical Roots

The presence of Muslim history in Estonia can be traced back centuries. Coins from the Islamic world, minted as early as the 8th century, have been discovered in Estonia, brought to the area by Viking merchants. The earliest documented presence of Muslims in Estonia occurred when Muslim soldiers from the Russian Empire arrived during the Livonian War in the 16th century.

The first Muslims to settle in Estonia were mostly Sunni Tatars who had been released from military service in the Russian Army after Estonia and Livonia had been conquered by the Russian Empire in 1721. The Tatar community became concentrated within Tallinn, and by the mid-19th century, had established a mosque with a serving imam.

According to the 2011 census records, out of 1,508 Muslims in Estonia, there were 604 Tatar Muslims. The Estonian Islamic Congregation membership structure reflects the Tatar understanding of membership in a religious institution, emphasizing ethnic and cultural identity.

“A 2019 study on newly arrived migrants in Estonia indicated an increase in negative attitudes and exclusion based on religious and racial characteristics.”

The long-standing presence of the Muslim history Estonia and Tatar community Estonia has shaped the country’s diverse religious landscape, though it remains a predominantly Christian nation. As the Islamic history Estonia continues to evolve, the integration and acceptance of this community remains an ongoing challenge and opportunity for the nation.

Islam in Estonia

Key Milestones and Developments

The history of Islam in Estonia dates back centuries, with the first documented presence of Muslim soldiers from the Russian Empire during the Livonian War in the 16th century. However, the more significant wave of Islamic influence came in the late 19th century when Tatar immigrants arrived in Estonia as merchants. This Tatar community, predominantly Sunni, established its center in the city of Narva, though some also settled in Tallinn and Tartu.

Under the independent Republic of Estonia in 1928, the Tatar community registered its first Muslim congregation, the Narva Muhamedi Kogudus, in Narva. This was followed by the establishment of a second congregation, the Tallinna Muhamedi Usuühing, in Tallinn in 1939. However, the Soviet authorities banned both congregations in 1940, and the buildings were destroyed during World War II in 1944.

The overwhelming majority of Muslims in Estonia today immigrated to the country during the Soviet occupation between 1940 and 1991. Estonia’s current Muslim population is estimated to be around 6,000 to 7,000 individuals, primarily consisting of Tatars and other ethnic groups. The Muslim community in Estonia is considered tolerant and politically moderate, with the Estonian Islamic Centre serving as a central place of worship in the absence of a mosque.

Despite the challenges of the past, the Islamic communities in Estonia have continued to thrive, with the community actively engaged in religious and cultural activities. In 2007, for instance, three thousand copies of the Quran were sold since its first publication, highlighting the growing interest in Muslim history Estonia. As the Islam in Estonia continues to evolve, the community remains an integral part of the country’s diverse cultural landscape.

“The Muslim community in Estonia is considered tolerant and politically moderate.”

Religious Practices and Institutions

Mosques, Islamic Centers, and Community Organizations

Estonia’s Muslim community, though relatively small, has established important religious and cultural institutions to support its religious practices and community life. The Estonian Islamic Center, founded in 2008 by the Estonian Islamic Congregation, a non-profit organization representing the country’s Muslim population, serves as a vital hub for worship, educational activities, and cultural events.

Located in the Lasnamäe district of Tallinn, the capital city, the Estonian Islamic Center is situated within walking distance of the Ülemiste Station, making it accessible to the growing number of Muslims in Estonia. In the absence of traditional mosques, this center plays a crucial role in providing a dedicated space for the Muslim community to gather, pray, and engage in various social and educational programs.

Beyond the Estonian Islamic Center, other Muslim community organizations in Estonia work to promote Islamic culture, interfaith dialogue, and mutual understanding. These organizations, such as the Muslim Community of Estonia and the Estonian Muslim Youth Organization, organize events, educational initiatives, and outreach efforts to foster a stronger sense of community and integration among Muslim Estonians.

Despite the small size of the Muslim population, estimated at around 1,500 to 7,000 individuals, these mosques and Islamic centers in Estonia play a vital role in preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and religious traditions of the country’s Muslim community.

Cultural Integration and Tolerance

The Muslim community in Estonia is widely regarded as tolerant and politically moderate. Unusually in the global context, Sunni and Shia Muslims in Estonia worship jointly at the Estonian Islamic Center, showcasing the religious harmony within the Muslim population.

Local observers, including the heads of religious associations, have noted a marked improvement in public discourse surrounding Muslim integration and Islamic culture in Estonia. They attribute this positive shift to the departure of the far-right party from the government in 2021, which may have contributed to a more tolerant and inclusive societal environment.

Estonia’s membership in a union of countries has increased the need for cultural mediation and understanding between local and international cultures. The challenge lies in navigating the linguistic and cultural diversity, where self-description and interpretation of reality through various languages and media play a crucial role in fostering cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

Technological changes, such as digitalization and polyglotism, have also impacted the cultural balance, requiring a renewed focus on communication and mediation to ensure new messages resonate with the common cultural experiences of the people.

“Cultural development is increasingly influenced by rapid information consumption changes in an open world, and the ability to navigate these challenges is key to promoting Muslim integration and Islamic culture in Estonia.”

While some challenges in multicultural communication may still arise, the general trend in Estonia suggests a growing climate of religious tolerance and cultural acceptance, with the government’s policies and regulations playing a pivotal role in shaping this positive trajectory.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Muslim community in Estonia faces a dual challenge of addressing misconceptions and fostering greater inclusivity within the country. Historically, Estonia has had a predominantly Christian population, and the presence of Islam has at times been met with skepticism and Islamophobia.

According to the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), public discourse in Estonia has become less tolerant in recent years, with an “anti-Muslim, antisemitic and anti-immigrant narrative” documented on several occasions. This has manifested primarily through verbal insults in public places and anonymous inflammatory comments on social media.

Addressing Misconceptions and Fostering Inclusivity

However, local observers have noted that public discourse has generally reflected greater tolerance in recent years, and the U.S. embassy has been actively raising the importance of combating antisemitism, promoting religious tolerance, and promoting Holocaust education in meetings with government officials. The embassy has also engaged with members of the Muslim community, religious leaders, and civil society groups to discuss religious freedom and tolerance in the country.

  • The challenges faced by the Muslim community in Estonia include addressing misconceptions and fostering inclusivity.
  • Historically, Estonia has had a predominantly Christian population, and the presence of Islam has at times been met with skepticism and Islamophobia.
  • The Council of Europe’s ECRI has found that public discourse in Estonia has become less tolerant, with an “anti-Muslim, antisemitic and anti-immigrant narrative” documented on several occasions.
  • However, local observers have noted that public discourse has generally reflected greater tolerance in recent years.
  • The U.S. embassy has been actively raising the importance of combating antisemitism, promoting religious tolerance, and promoting Holocaust education in meetings with government officials.
  • The embassy has also engaged with members of the Muslim community, religious leaders, and civil society groups to discuss religious freedom and tolerance in the country.

“Efforts were made to promote ‘moderate Islam,’ with the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams established in 2005 as part of the strategy to communicate what Islam should be, outsourcing this task to authoritative voices in the region.”

Contemporary Voices and Perspectives

The Estonian Islamic Center serves as a vital hub for the Muslim community in Estonia, providing a space for prayer, cultural events, and educational activities. The center is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, reflecting the tolerant and politically moderate nature of the Muslim community in Estonia.

Leaders within the Muslim community, such as the founder of the Islamic Center of Estonia, have noted that the Muslim population in the country continues to grow, with approximately 7,000 Muslims currently residing in Estonia. These contemporary voices and perspectives shed light on the nuances of the growing Islamic faith in Estonia and the efforts to foster inclusivity and address misconceptions.

“We want to be a bridge between the Muslim community and the broader Estonian society. Our goal is to promote understanding and integration, not segregation.”

–Founder, Islamic Center of Estonia

The Muslim community in Estonia has faced some challenges, including stigmatization and misconceptions. However, leaders within the community remain committed to fostering a spirit of tolerance and cooperation, working closely with local authorities and fellow citizens to address these issues.

As the Muslim population in Estonia continues to evolve, the perspectives of community members and religious leaders will be crucial in shaping the narrative and promoting mutual understanding. Through open dialogues and collaborative efforts, the Muslim community in Estonia aims to build bridges and contribute to the overall fabric of the country.

Government Policies and Regulations

Estonia’s commitment to religious freedom is evident in its constitution, which declares that there is no state church and protects the rights of individuals to practice their faith. The government has implemented policies and regulations that uphold this principle, fostering an environment of religious diversity and tolerance.

The Estonian government closely regulates the activities of religious associations and societies, requiring them to register in order to be eligible for certain tax benefits. While unregistered religious groups are free to conduct their religious practices, they do not qualify for these financial advantages. This system aims to maintain oversight while preserving the right to freedom of religion.

Notably, the government has expressed concerns about the Russian government’s attempts to manipulate the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. In response, the Estonian authorities have taken steps to address this issue, recognizing the importance of safeguarding the autonomy and integrity of religious institutions within the country.

Furthermore, the Estonian government continues to provide funds to the Council of Churches for ecumenical activities, demonstrating its commitment to supporting religious diversity and freedom. This financial support underscores the government’s role in fostering a climate of inclusivity and respect for various faith communities within Estonia.

The Estonian constitution declares that there is no state church and protects the freedom of individuals to practice their religion, while prohibiting the incitement of religious hatred, violence, or discrimination.

Overall, the Estonian government’s policies and regulations related to government policies Islam Estonia, religious regulations Estonia, religious freedom Estonia reflect a steadfast dedication to preserving and promoting religious freedom, diversity, and tolerance in the country.

Conclusion

Estonia’s Islamic community, while relatively small, is a vital and growing part of the country’s diverse religious landscape. The history of Islam in Estonia spans centuries, with the first documented presence of Muslims occurring during the Livonian War in the 16th century. Over time, the community has evolved, with Tatar and Azeri populations becoming the largest Muslim groups in the nation.

Despite facing some challenges, such as misconceptions and occasional intolerance, the Muslim community in Estonia is generally regarded as tolerant and politically moderate, with Sunnis and Shias worshipping jointly. The Estonian government’s policies and regulations aim to protect religious freedom and support the diverse religious communities in the country, including the growing Muslim community in Estonia.

While the religious tolerance in Estonia is an ongoing process, the presence of Islam in the country has become an integral part of its cultural and religious fabric. As the Muslim population in Estonia continues to evolve, it will be crucial for all members of Estonian society to engage in open and constructive dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

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