Located on Forchstrasse in Zurich, the Mahmood Mosque (Mahmud Moschee) holds a unique place in Swiss architectural and religious history as the country's first purpose-built mosque. Owned and operated by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, this historic landmark offers you a chance to reflect on the early history of Islam in post-war Switzerland, which began when missionaries arrived in Zurich in 1946. As you visit, you will observe the mosque's minaret—a feature of significant historical context, as the construction of new minarets was later banned in Switzerland by popular vote.
You can also appreciate the building's rich heritage: its foundation stone was laid on August 25, 1962, by Amatul Hafeez Begum, daughter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. Using a stone brought from the wall of India's Mubarak Mosque, her central role represented an enduring symbol of the emancipation of Muslim women. The site was officially inaugurated on June 22, 1963, by Sir Muhammad Zafarullah Khan, then President of the UN General Assembly, alongside Zurich's Mayor, Dr.
Emil Landolt. It remains a fascinating stop for travelers interested in Zurich's modern history and cultural evolution.
What to see at Mahmood Mosque
- Historic status as Switzerland's first purpose-built mosque, inaugurated in 1963
- Foundation stone laid by Amatul Hafeez Begum using a stone from India's Mubarak Mosque
- Features a historic minaret built prior to Switzerland's nationwide construction ban
- Site associated with the 1954 publication of the first Arabic-German edition of the Quran
Visiting tips
Take time to appreciate the historic exterior architecture, which marks the early post-war expansion of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Zurich.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Mahmood Mosque is easy to reach on Zurich’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Zürich Opera House and Kunsthaus Zürich. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Zurich travel guide.
See the full Zurich travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.