Author: Obaidullah Noorzahi
The Influence of Islam in America (Part Eight)
Other South American Countries
The discovery of the lands of South America in the 15th century by Spanish colonists led to the introduction of Islam in some countries in this region. The Spanish explorers transported slaves from Africa to exploit these lands, most of whom were Muslims. However, they were not free to practice their religion and were severely tortured and suppressed, forcing many to accept Christianity. Nevertheless, with the arrival of Muslims from South Asia and the Indian subcontinent to South America, the seeds of Islam began to take root in these places once again.
Uruguay
This country, covering an area of 176,215 square kilometers, is located in South America, south of Brazil and east of Argentina. Its capital is Montevideo, and it consists of 19 departments. The majority of its population is of white European descent and predominantly Catholic.
There are no Andalusian Muslims left in this land, but approximately 1,500 Muslims of Syrian and Lebanese origin reside in the country.
Paraguay
Paraguay is a landlocked country situated between Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, with the Tropic of Cancer dividing it into two halves. Its capital is Asuncion. About 95% of the population is of mixed race (red and white), with the remainder being of European descent. The majority religion is Catholicism, and there are around 1,500 Muslims of Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian origin living there.
Peru
Peru is located south of Colombia in the tropical region of South America. It covers an area of 1,285,216 square kilometers and has a population of 22 million. Its inhabitants are of white, red, and mixed races and are predominantly Catholic.
There are more than a thousand Muslims living primarily in the capital, Lima. Their ethnic origins are Arab, primarily from Palestinian and Syrian tribes. In 1975, Muslims succeeded in founding the Islamic Association to organize themselves and implement necessary preaching and training programs on Islamic issues.
Chile
Chile has an area of 756,626 square kilometers and occupies a strip of land in the western part of South America. It ranks first in the world in nitrate production and second in copper production. The country consists of 25 regions, with Santiago as its capital. According to statistics from 1990, the population was approximately 13 million, most of whom were of mixed race, with the remainder being of European and indigenous descent. The majority of Chileans are Catholic. In 1990, there were 5,000 Muslims residing in Chile, but their numbers decreased due to adverse conditions and a climate of intimidation, leaving around 1,500 Muslims today. These Muslims are descendants of Syrian and Lebanese immigrants and often reside in the capital. In 1926, they established the first Islamic organization.
Venezuela
Venezuela is located in northern South America, bordered by northern Brazil. It consists of 20 states, 2 autonomous territories, a federal district, and 72 federal islands. Its capital is Caracas. The country spans an area of 912,050 square kilometers and has a population of 19.5 million, with about 70% of the population being of mixed race and the rest Hispanic, Black, and Indigenous. Most Venezuelans are Catholic.
During the Spanish colonization of Venezuela, many Spanish immigrants, including Andalusian Muslims, flooded the country. However, these individuals either abandoned their religion or practiced it in secret out of fear of persecution from Catholics. It is unlikely that any traces remain from that period. Currently, there are about 60,000 Muslims in Venezuela, of Syrian, Palestinian, and Lebanese descent. In 1950, only a thousand Muslims lived there. The increase in Muslim immigrants, conversions of some Christians to Islam, and natural growth have led to a 60-fold increase in the Muslim population. Approximately 30% of Muslims reside in Caracas, while others are found in the cities of Valencia, Merida, Maracaibo, and on Margarita Island in the Caribbean Sea. The primary occupations of Muslims include commerce and labor, and some are engaged in technical and specialized fields. The first mosque in Caracas was established in 1972 through the efforts of the Muslim community. To provide necessary Islamic education to children, adolescents, and other interested individuals, two Islamic institutions were established under the name “Islamic School Center” of Venezuela.
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