Grande Mosquee de Bruxelles (Great Mosque of Brussels), Brussels

Standing in the northwestern corner of Jubilee Park ("Parc du Cinquantenaire"), this imposing cream-colored building is the oldest mosque in Brussels and serves as the headquarters for the country's Islamic Cultural Centre. The original structure, designed by architect Ernest Van Humbeek, was constructed in an Arabic style and functioned as the Oriental Pavilion during the National Exhibition in Brussels in 1880. During that period, the pavilion showcased a monumental canvas painting titled "Panorama of Cairo" by Belgian painter Emile Wauters, which garnered significant acclaim. Unfortunately, a lack of maintenance in the 20th century led to the building's gradual deterioration.

In 1967, King Baudouin of Belgium offered the building to King Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz of Saudi Arabia, granting a 99-year rent-free lease during an official visit aimed at securing oil contracts. It was transformed into a place of worship for Muslim immigrants to Belgium, particularly those from Morocco and Turkey at the time. As part of the agreement, imams from the Gulf region were hired, even though their orthodox salafist teachings differed from the more open-minded beliefs of the immigrants. Over time, these teachings would lead to a shift towards a more orthodox tradition, discouraging immigrants from integrating into Belgian society, as noted by Georges Dallemagne. After extensive reconstruction funded by Saudi Arabia and overseen by Tunisian architect Mongi Boubaker, the mosque was inaugurated in 1978.

In the immediate vicinity stands the Monument to the Belgian Pioneers in Congo, featuring a scene once titled "Belgian military heroism wipes out the Arab slave trader". This inscription led to complaints from visitors, as well as the Jordanian and Saudi ambassadors, resulting in the removal of the term "Arab" from the inscription in 1988.

The role of the mosque as the principal religious institution within the Belgian Islamic community, and its intended function as a diplomatic link between the Saudi and Belgian monarchies, has been a subject of debate since its re-establishment. Frequented by Muslim diplomats, it serves as a popular location for Belgians interested in converting to Islam, while also having provided education to numerous Muslim students over the years.