Haiti
The history of Islam in Haiti dates back to the 16th century. During this period, African Muslim slaves, who were brought to Haiti by Spanish colonizers for forced labor, became the first Muslims of this land. However, Islam could not expand en masse in Haiti in the past five centuries.
Today, it is estimated that around 4,000-5,000 Muslims live in Haiti, most of whom are indigenous Haitians. Muslims in the country, just like other citizens of the country, face various problems, especially poverty. Particularly due to the earthquake in 2010 and the hurricane disaster in 2016, the living conditions of the poor people have become even worse. At this point, it is worth noting that the humanitarian response of the Islamic world, especially Turkey, to natural disasters in recent years led to an increased interest in Islam among the Haitian people.
There are several places of worship serving Muslims in the country, as well as foundations and associations established by Muslims. These are the Bilal Mosque and Islamic Center in Cap Haiti, the Haiti Islamic Foundation in the capital Port au Prince, the El Nur Mosque and Allahu Akbar Spiritual Center, and the Nuru'l Islam Mosque in Miragoane. The Islamic Foundation of Haiti serves Muslims as well as other citizens in the country and provides meals to the public, especially after Friday prayers. The Boukman Buhara Mosque, built by the Turkish Religious Foundation with the help of the people of Turkey in Cap Haiti and opened in 2016, is the first mosque with minarets in the country.