Misconceptions about the Islamic faith and Muslim culture often lead to negative stereotypes and strained relationships between communities. In a proactive effort to dispel these misunderstandings and encourage cultural exchange, mosques across the nation have been opening their doors to individuals from various backgrounds and belief systems. Recently, Cornwall Live, in collaboration with the local community, had the privilege of visiting the Cornwall Islamic Community Centre in Carnon Downs during an open day event designed to promote a better understanding of Islam and bridge gaps between cultures.
For the past 15 years, the Cornwall Islamic Community Centre has served as a hub for communal worship and education about the Islamic faith. Its members have made substantial contributions to the local community through charitable initiatives, particularly during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their generosity extended to providing free meals to the county’s homeless and needy through St Petroc’s Society, as well as assisting Syrian refugees in Cornwall in their journey to find employment and establish a new life.
However, as Hasan Kilic, a member of the community center, revealed, the journey hasn’t been without its share of challenges. When the Muslim community purchased the former Quenchwell Chapel in Carnon Downs in April 2008 and commenced its transformation into an Asian community center, it faced resistance and hostility from some local residents. Over several months, the building endured incidents of criminal damage, including racist graffiti, an arson attack, and the grotesque display of a pig’s head nailed to its front door. Hasan Kilic remarked, “There was a lot of hostility when we first opened [the center]. It’s taken a few years, but with the support of the local police and the broader community, it’s become a peaceful place.”
Fear often stems from the unknown, particularly in isolated locations like Cornwall. To address this fear and counter misconceptions, the Cornwall Islamic Community Centre holds open days, inviting people to learn about Islam and fostering an environment of understanding. Hasan Kilic emphasized, “Islam is a religion of peace, and everywhere you go, there will be people from the Muslim community. There have been people in the past who had issues with us, but we want to welcome them and address these issues.”
The journey to establish a place of worship for Muslims in Cornwall was marked by a decade-long search. Tipu Sultan Choudhury, a businessman and leader of the group that purchased the building, had been fundraising since 1993. At that time, Cornwall’s Muslim community was small, primarily comprised of restaurant workers, making it challenging to find a suitable and affordable location. Mr. Choudhury explained, “When we came to Cornwall in the mid-’80s, there was no place for us to pray, so we had to go to Exeter because that was where the closest mosque was. By 1993, there were many restaurants opening, and the Muslim community was growing, so we started collecting funds to find somewhere to gather.”
After extensive efforts, the Cornwall Islamic Community Centre was established. The building, which cost £220,000, required an additional £450,000 for renovations over about eight years. The center conducted its first Friday prayer on July 3, 2009, and has continued to do so ever since.
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As of the 2021 Census, approximately 0.2 percent of Cornwall’s population identified as Muslim, totaling around 1,140 residents. The Cornwall Islamic Community Centre boasts a diverse membership that includes university lecturers, restaurant owners, and NHS staff. It stands as the sole Asian community center in Cornwall with prayer facilities and welcomes individuals from all corners of the county. The center includes a primary prayer hall on the first floor, a secondary prayer hall on the second floor, and separate women’s prayer facilities accessible through a dedicated entrance.
Due to its isolated location, full-time operations are challenging, and it is not classified as a mosque. Mr. Choudhury clarified, “To be a mosque, we need to have a full-time Imam (prayer leader), offer women’s and children’s educational activities, and have daily prayer, whereas here it’s just Fridays. If [the center] were in a larger town or in Truro, it would be a full-time mosque. If someone comes in with more resources one day, we could have a mosque, but this can always be a meeting place, and we have lots of people who come here from all over Cornwall.”
Every year, the Cornwall Islamic Community Centre hosts an open day, offering the opportunity for individuals to gain insight into its daily activities and learn more about the Muslim way of life. Collaborating with the Islamic Education and Research Academy (iERA) charity, the center strives to educate the public about Islam and dispel misconceptions surrounding the religion.
The recent open-day event served as a welcoming space for both Muslims and non-Muslims in Cornwall to come together, fostering unity and understanding. The event featured informative stalls about the religion, free educational materials, and engaging conversations, along with food and beverages, where people could interact and exchange perspectives. Salahuddin Patel, a community outreach administrator for iERA, traveled from London to participate in the open day, sharing resources and engaging in conversations to answer questions about Islam and its practices. Mr. Patel emphasized, “Our main objective is to engage in positive activities through open days and provide educational resources. I find it proves to be successful in engaging communities where Muslims are a minority, so we are able to educate people and show them there is nothing to fear about Islam. Here in Cornwall, the Muslim community is small, but events like this are simple to hold. People often worry they’ll offend us with any questions they might have, but they won’t because we know they are trying to learn.”
