Community perspectives of foreign-funded mosques in Pristina, Kosovo: Local impact and donor state reception

The construction of mosques funded by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states has drawn significant attention in Europe, often accompanied by concerns over radicalization and foreign influence. This study investigates the local perceptions and socio-cultural impacts of two mosque construction projects in Pristina, Kosovo. The questionnaire surveys and observations indicate that these mosques contribute positively to their neighbourhoods, fostering a sense of community and enhancing opportunities for local inhabitants. Notably, respondents reported no evidence of extremist rhetoric or ties to radical ideologies, challenging prevailing narratives about GCC-funded religious infrastructure in Europe. Although their imported architectural designs faced criticism for conflicting with local aesthetics and urban planning principles. These findings illustrate how such projects influence local religious practices and community dynamics while fostering increased religiosity. They invite reflection on how foreign-funded religious infrastructure, while locally seen as community-oriented, also shapes perceptions of donor states and supports their soft power agendas.