Peru
The first introduction of the Peruvian land to Islam was in the late 15th century through the Andalusian Muslims who came from Europe fleeing from Spanish persecution. Although their legacy has survived to this day in culture and architecture, the Muslims who came to Peru at that time lost their religious identity by integrating into the local population over time. The second major Muslim migration to Peru was carried out in the mid-20th century by Arab Muslims from the Middle East, mainly from Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon.
Today, around 5,000 Muslims live in Peru. Some of them are migrant Muslims and some are native Muslims who have converted. Since the 1980s, interest in Islam has increased in Peru, especially in the aftermath of the September 11 events, which led to increased efforts to research and recognize Islam in Peruvian society. The Islamic Association of Peru (Asociación Islámica del Perú), established in the capital Lima, is the most important organization representing the country's Muslims. Although two mosques and a school that were previously opened in the country were closed due to lack of facilities, a mosque and a cultural center were opened and launched by the Latin American Muslim Union (LAMU). Other structures established by Muslims in the country are the Organization of Peruvian Muslims and the Islamic Research Institute. The Naqshbandi order is also active in the country.