Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Mecca Expo Opens in Paris
The expo has been mounted at the Arab World Institute in Paris and will run until August 10, Saphirnews reported.
It has been organized in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s national library, the British Museum and France’s Islamic institutions.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Hollande said France has always opened its doors to different cultures adding that his country hosts Muslim immigrants from the Middle East and Africa who freely practice their religion.
He, however, failed to mention the discriminations against France’s Muslim minority, including the ban on Hijab.
Hollande further noted that France has the highest number of Hajj pilgrims among European countries every year, adding that Paris tries to make sure that the needs of French Hajjis are met.
He went on to underline the importance of the exhibition from cultural, religious and social points of view.
More than 320 data-x-items related to Hajj, including paintings, photos, and manuscripts are on display at the Hajj exhibition in Paris.
France is home to the largest Muslim minority in Western Europe. Some 6 million Muslims are estimated to live the country.
