The Albanian Australian Islamic Society

The Albanian Australian Islamic Society (AAIS) is a nonprofit organization established in 1963 by the Albanian Muslim community in Australia. It is recognized as the largest Albanian Muslim organization in the country, with nearly 1,000 financial member families[5].

History

Following World War II, Muslim immigrants, including Albanians, moved to Victoria, Australia, where they found a lack of Islamic infrastructure. Prior to the establishment of AAIS, makeshift mosques existed but were not permanent. In 1963, the Albanian community formally created the AAIS. By the late 1960s, Melbourne's Albanian community needed a mosque for religious services and celebrations. This need led to the construction of the first mosque in Melbourne by AAIS in 1969[1][3].

Mission and Activities

The AAIS serves not only the Albanian Muslim community but also the broader Muslim community of Melbourne. It functions as both an Islamic and Albanian cultural organization, promoting harmony, mutual understanding, and cooperation among different communities in Australia. The society is involved in outreach programs and supports community development through its various committees[5].

Governance and Committees

The AAIS is governed by an Executive Committee Board, which consists of thirteen elected voluntary financial members. Additionally, the organization has a Women's Committee, established in 2005, focused on supporting women and children within the community. The AAIS Youth Group was formed in 2016 to provide social and sporting activities for teenagers and young adults in the Albanian community. The organization offers multiple volunteering opportunities throughout the year[5].

Role in Australian Society

The AAIS plays a significant role in fostering cultural and religious identity while promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation across Australia. The society continues to be a pivotal part of Muslim life in Melbourne, offering facilities for religious services and community activities.

Legal Identity

The Albanian Australian Islamic Society is registered with an ABN of 81720308133RR0001, affirming its status as aassistant

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Legal Identity

The Albanian Australian Islamic Society is registered with an ABN of 81720308133RR0001, affirming its status as a recognized nonprofit organization in Australia.

Cultural and Community Impact

The AAIS contributes significantly to Australian society by preserving Albanian Muslim heritage and fostering community engagement. It maintains an active role in outreach programs, focusing on cultural preservation and interfaith dialogue.

See Also

• Islamic Society of Victoria: A broader organization that catered to Muslim immigrants, including Albanians, prior to the establishment of AAIS.

References

[1] The Albanian Australian Islamic Society.
[2] Albanian Australian Islamic Society (@aaisocial).
[3] Albanian Mosque, Carlton North.
[4] Carlton North - Albanian Australian Islamic Society.
[5] About - The Albanian Australian Islamic Society.

[1] https://www.aais.org.au [2] https://www.instagram.com/aaisocial/ [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albanian_Mosque,_Carlton_North [4] https://gopray.com.au/place/aais-albanian-islamic-society/ [5] https://www.aais.org.au/about