Hasan Izquierdo, mayoral candidate for Partido Andalusí in Barcelona in 2027, proposes transforming the iconic bullring La Monumental into “Europe’s largest mosque” and an Islamic cultural centre.
Izquierdo, who converted to Islam several years ago, is standing on a programme directed at Muslims, immigrants and their descendants. He argues that the arena has largely stood unused since Catalonia’s ban on bullfighting entered into force on 1 January 2012. He further maintains that the arena’s architecture makes it particularly suitable as a large Islamic gathering place.
– The migrants’ voice in a multicultural Barcelona
Izquierdo presents himself as a new voice for migrants in a multicultural Barcelona. In his political platform, he emphasises the legacy of Muslim Al-Andalus as a central part of the cultural history and identity of Spain and Catalonia. He believes that the city has undergone a profound transformation which is not yet reflected in traditional politics – and envisages a future Spain that represents “an alternative to the victory of 1492”.
The election in 2027 will be the first time a Muslim stands as a mayoral candidate in Barcelona.
Spania eller Al-Andalus? Det som en gang har vært islamsk, skal alltid være islamsk
La Monumental is one of Barcelona’s best-known buildings and a symbol of the city’s history. On 25 September 2011, the last official bullfight was held in the arena. The proposal to turn it into a mosque has provoked strong reactions.
– Catalonia must never apologise for being Catalan, writes the journalist Sergi Maraña:
ATENCIÓ 15.45 h: Hasan Izquierdo, convers a l’islam i vinculat al Partido Andalusí, vol presentar-se a l’alcaldia de Barcelona.
👉🏻 Proposa convertir la Monumental en una gran mesquita i centre cultural islàmic.
👉🏻 Defensa donar veu política pròpia a una “nova Barcelona”… pic.twitter.com/USvPgON9t2
— Sergi Maraña (@SergiMaranya) June 3, 2026
Flere tusen spanjoler bærer et efternavn som betyr «drep muslimer»