The harmonious coexistence in Marbella of peoples of all nationalities, ideologies, races and religions may have its roots in the history of the town.

As was the case with the rest of Andalucia, the town of Marbella was successively occupied by Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs. Although they came as conquerors, little by little they began to settle down here, feeling more and more at home, and ending up wholly conquered and bewitched by this paradise which is Andalusia, and especially by Marbella, a famous oasis even in ancient times.

So from a historical viewpoint, the present integration of different peoples is not surprising, though a notable event in to-days's world - where intolerance leads to conflict and catastrophe for so many different nationalities.

Marbella's uniquely harmonious social environment could have been the reason which led H.R.H. Prince SALMAN BEN ABDULAZIZ, brother of H.M. KING FAHD of Saudi Arabia to build the first mosque of Spain of modern times. Dedicated to the late H.M. King ADBULAZIZ AL-SAUD, the mosque is a message of peace, and a focal point for mutual understanding between peoples - reviving an understanding which flourished here for centuries.

For many years, Marbella has known how to welcome Arabs who have come here to work, trade, live or simply spend their holidays. They have been made to feel at home, to feel secure, to feel like local inhabitants, not foreign visitors, to feel like firm friends as were their forebears centuries ago.

The frivolous image of Marbella is misleading; there are many other more important aspects to its civil society and way of life. Indeed, the happy coexistence of so many different nationalities in a spirit of mutual respect ensures us Muslims that we have found in this beautiful oasis an ideal site for the enduring message of our faith and worship of Allah, the one God.

Allal Bachar

Iman of the Mosque of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud