Londonderry’s growing Muslim community on the city they call home

Dr Sameh Hassan, from Egypt, works as an engineer in Seagate and is chairman of the North West Islamic Association, where he leads Friday prayers.

He moved to Derry from York almost 15 years ago and now describes himself as “almost like a native”.

He has noticed a definite change in the city’s demographics.

“The place has not been as diverse in the past, which has been changing over the last years, I think,” he said.

“But overall, our experience was very good.”

He said Derry’s Muslim community continues to thrive with support of the locals, especially in the last four or five years.

“We had a very open attitude towards the community,” Dr Hassan said.

“We open our doors to the community. We do lots of outreach activities.

“We welcome community groups, youth groups to our centre.

“We try to build as much bridges with the local community as we can. It gives people in the city a chance to meet Muslims, perhaps for the first time.”