there have been converts to Islam in Greece, both historically and in modern times.

Historically, during the Ottoman period (roughly 15th–19th centuries), significant numbers of ethnic Greeks converted to Islam for various reasons, including social, economic, or political advantages like avoiding taxes or gaining status. Estimates suggest hundreds of thousands or even millions across mainland Greece, islands, and Anatolia converted over time, often integrating into Turkish-speaking communities. 3 4 5 6 After Greek independence and events like the 1923 population exchange, many of these Greek-origin Muslims were classified as Turks and relocated to Turkey. 6 34 In Crete, for example, 40–45% of the Muslim population by the late 19th century were descendants of Greek Orthodox converts. 32

In contemporary Greece, conversions continue, though on a smaller scale compared to the immigrant Muslim population. Recent reports and videos highlight growing interest, with some attributing it to cultural exposure, personal spiritual journeys, or global events like the Gaza conflict boosting conversions across Europe (up 400% in some estimates since October 2023). 1 2 27 Exact statistics are limited, but sources note conversions among native Greeks in areas like Xanthi or through intermarriage and community integration. 9 8 For instance, discussions on social media and forums mention ongoing conversions, sometimes tied to historical identity debates where converts might be viewed as shifting ethnic affiliations. 18 22 Overall, while Islam in Greece is predominantly practiced by immigrants and the indigenous minority in Thrace (about 100,000–150,000), native conversions contribute to its gradual growth. 0 26

Mosques in Greece

There are mosques remaining in Greece, with the majority concentrated in regions with historical Muslim communities.

• In Western Thrace (the primary area for Greece’s indigenous Muslim minority), there are approximately 240 to 300 active mosques, which is the highest ratio of active mosques per Muslim citizen in Europe. 25 22 27 These include notable ones like the Eski Mosque and Yeni Mosque in Komotini, both active for worship. 19
• In Athens, the Votanikos Mosque (also known as the Athens Mosque) was opened in 2020 as the first purpose-built mosque in the city since Greek independence, fully funded by the government and serving the local Muslim population. 19 Historical structures like the Tzistarakis Mosque (now a museum) and Fethiye Mosque (used for exhibitions) also exist but are not active for worship. 19
• Other regions have fewer, mostly Ottoman-era mosques, some active and others repurposed. For example, in the Dodecanese islands (like Rhodes and Kos), there are a handful of operational mosques such as the Ibrahim Pasha Mosque and Gazi Hasan Pasha Mosque. 19 26 In Thessaloniki, the Hamza Bey Mosque and Alaca Imaret Mosque are used for cultural events, while the Yeni Mosque was reopened for Eid prayers in 2024 after over a century. 19 12 Overall, while many Ottoman-era mosques (originally 300–400) were destroyed, converted, or closed over time, dozens remain across Greece in various states. 11 17

Greece’s total population is estimated at around 10.4 million as of 2025. 1 Estimates for the Muslim population vary widely depending on the source and whether they include only the indigenous minority or also immigrants and refugees:

• The indigenous Muslim minority (primarily ethnic Turks, Pomaks, and Roma in Western Thrace, plus a small community in the Dodecanese) is officially recognized under the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and numbers about 98,000 to 140,000, or 0.9–1.2% of the population. 20 4 9 They have legal protections, including optional use of Sharia for personal matters like family law. 20
• Immigrant and refugee Muslims (from countries like Albania, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and others) are concentrated in urban areas like Athens and Thessaloniki, with estimates ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 non-indigenous immigrants as of 2025 in some sources, though older data during peak migration periods (e.g., 2017) suggested up to 520,000 additional Muslims from asylum seekers and economic migrants. 20 2 9
• Total Muslim population estimates for 2025 range from about 313,000 (3%) in some recent reviews to 540,000 (5.3%) in others, reflecting differences in migration trends and counting methods. 31 5 8 15 Higher figures around 500,000–600,000 often include broader immigrant counts, while lower ones may focus on documented residents. 3