Islam in Italy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Islam is a minority religion in Italy. Muslim presence in Italy dates back to the 9th century, when Sicily came under control of the Aghlabid Dynasty. There was a large Muslim presence in Italy from 827 (the first occupation of Mazara)[2] until the 12th century. The Norman conquest of Sicily led to a gradual decline of Islam, due to the conversions and emigration of Muslims toward Northern Africa. A small Muslim community however survived at least until 1300 (the destruction of the Muslim settlement of Lucera).
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During the 20th century, the first Somali immigrants from Italian Somaliland began to arrive.[citation needed] In more recent years, there has been migration from Pakistan, the Balkans, Bangladesh, India, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia.[3] There are also some converts to Islam in Italy (most notably on the island of Sicily).[4]