Unequal Representation of Islam in Europa Universalis V

[Jubei]

The absence of a dedicated mosque in Europa Universalis V is a serious and disappointing omission. While the game includes numerous religious buildings for different faiths, Islam lacks a proper, distinct representation of one of its most fundamental institutions. Using a generic building called “Temple” is not an adequate solution: a temple is not a mosque, and treating them as interchangeable disregards the historical, religious, and architectural distinctions between these institutions.

Mosques played a central role in Muslim civilization, serving not only as places of worship but also as centers of education and community life. Historical accuracy and respectful representation should apply equally to every religion, yet this omission raises legitimate questions about the consistency with which Islamic heritage is represented.

I expect the developers to explain this decision and correct the omission.

What makes this especially insulting is the apparent contradiction: Muslim players' money is welcome, but giving their religious heritage the same level of consideration and respect seems less important. If you are happy to take our money, you should be equally willing to represent our history and faith with the same care afforded to others.

[eaerion]

Good idea for 30 dollars DLC.

[50 Shades of Gandalf the Grey]

Originally posted by Jubei:

The absence of a dedicated mosque in Europa Universalis V is a serious and disappointing omission. While the game includes numerous religious buildings for different faiths, Islam lacks a proper, distinct representation of one of its most fundamental institutions. Using a generic building called “Temple” is not an adequate solution: a temple is not a mosque, and treating them as interchangeable disregards the historical, religious, and architectural distinctions between these institutions.

Mosques played a central role in Muslim civilization, serving not only as places of worship but also as centers of education and community life. Historical accuracy and respectful representation should apply equally to every religion, yet this omission raises legitimate questions about the consistency with which Islamic heritage is represented.

I expect the developers to explain this decision and correct the omission.

What makes this especially insulting is the apparent contradiction: Muslim players' money is welcome, but giving their religious heritage the same level of consideration and respect seems less important. If you are happy to take our money, you should be equally willing to represent our history and faith with the same care afforded to others.

[tonypa]

Generic term “Temple” is used in the game to mark "a building or place dedicated to the worship of a deity or deities", it is same for Pagan, Christian, Muslim, Shinto, everyone. Only later, once you unlock more specific buildings, are they tied to specific religion.

[Xem]

Originally posted by Jubei:

Using a generic building called “Temple” is not an adequate solution: a temple is not a mosque, and treating them as interchangeable disregards the historical, religious, and architectural distinctions between these institutions.

It's the same building for every religion. Why should Islam be treated diffrent? Moslems are not special people and Islam is just another of many religions in this world.

[DSago]

After reading this: I am so glad that religion is declining in most civilized societies (except the US ...).

[general fufu]

Originally posted by DSago:

After reading this: I am so glad that religion is declining in most civilized societies (except the US ...).

This is about nationalism, supremacy and low IQ.

[Castiel]

The Ataturk rage failed, so they need something new.

[remahka]

But I'm pretty sure there ARE unique muslim buildings...

[Snemelc]

Originally posted by remahka:

But I'm pretty sure there ARE unique muslim buildings...

There are. OP seems just angry, that there isn't a specific "mosque" building, that replaces the generic "temple" building for muslim countries.

[KroganCharr]

Definition "temple": a building for religious practice.

Mosques are temples. Just like churches, synagogues, and any other building that is used for religious practice.

[eaerion]

Oh it will definitely be added with "Muslim flavour pack" at some point. Don't worry about it. If there is a way to monetize it, they will definitely do it.

[Jubei]

Many responses seem to be missing the actual point of this criticism.

Some argue that “Temple” is a generic religious building intended to represent every faith. However, this argument does not hold up when we look at the game's own building system. Christianity has access to a distinct Cathedral building, representing an important religious institution beyond the generic Temple. This shows that the game can distinguish between religious institutions rather than reducing everything to a single generic structure.

There is also a Sufi Mosque in the game, but its availability is tied to specific circumstances, such as emphasizing the mystical side of Islam or inviting Sufi scholars. This does not address the underlying issue. A mosque is a fundamental institution of Islam, just as a cathedral is a fundamental religious institution within Christianity. Its representation should not depend on pursuing a particular mystical tradition or meeting specific conditions. Sufism is an important part of Islamic history, but Islam and its mosques are not limited to Sufism.

Furthermore, arguing that every religion is represented by one generic building ignores the fact that the game already provides distinct religious buildings and institutions. If some faiths have more specific representation while others lack buildings for their most fundamental institutions, it is entirely reasonable to question that inconsistency.

This is not a demand for special treatment for Islam or Muslim and Turkish players. It is a request for consistent historical accuracy and equal attention to the religious heritage of different civilizations. If other religions also lack buildings representing their fundamental institutions, those omissions should be addressed as well. Improving the representation of religious architecture across the board would add historical depth, immersion, and overall quality to the game.

Criticizing these omissions is not an attack on Christianity or any other religion. Likewise, responding with anti-Islamic or anti-Turkish hostility does not refute the argument. The question is straightforward: if Europa Universalis V aims to represent the history and institutions of different civilizations, why shouldn't mosques receive the same consideration as cathedrals?

This is about consistency, historical representation, and improving the game—not about giving any religion preferential treatment.

[AresNB]

Originally posted by DSago:

After reading this: I am so glad that religion is declining in most civilized societies (except the US ...).

lol you gotta check your data. said declining XD

[AresNB]

Originally posted by eaerion:

Oh it will definitely be added with "Muslim flavour pack" at some point. Don't worry about it. If there is a way to monetize it, they will definitely do it.

it dont need a flavor pack to rename a code label dingus. you people have to jump on hate wagon even faster than them jumping on dlc ideas

[emeg]

The title 'Muslim' is not only reserved for Mohammedans; there are also many examples of Christians and others in different religions who were Muslim. Quite a few so-called Muslims constantly demand VIP treatment. If they don't get it, then the whining starts immediately about how they are so offended, insulted, and discriminated. Just like what recently happened to Paradox with that outrageously rude hate bombing. What do you think you achieve with that besides making others feel repelled? Your claim about the absence of a dedicated mosque in Europa Universalis V is not correct, check this out: https://paradoxpedia.com/eu5/holy-sites/