German city to recognize Islamic holidays

OneNewsNow.com Staff   (OneNewsNow.com) Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Authorities in Hamburg have become the first in Germany to officially recognize Islamic holidays so Muslim employees and students can celebrate them at home.

The decision forms part of an agreement between the German city and local Muslim groups. Similar agreements exist with Christian and Jewish communities in the city.

Authorities estimate some 150,000 Muslims live in the city of almost two-million people.

The growing public presence of Islamic culture in Germany has sparked anger among conservatives and far-right groups.

Police in Berlin were on alert for possible violence this weekend after a small far-right party said it planned to stage protests outside mosques in the German capital.