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A 25 year old Spanish activist who took part in pro Palestine demonstrations in Barcelona says the Palestinian resistance pushed him to study Islam and ultimately convert during a visit to Istanbul.
Adria Calafell said the war in Gaza and the response of Palestinians prompted a personal search that led him to read about Islam for months before traveling to Türkiye.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency in Istanbul, Calafell said he formally embraced Islam five months ago after a period of reflection and study.
“Especially what was happening in Palestine and the resistance of the Palestinians led me to research Islam and begin a spiritual exploration,” he said. “This resistance pushed me to learn more deeply about Islam. Five months ago I recited the shahada and became Muslim.”
Calafell said he had supported Palestinians since the start of the war in Gaza and regularly joined demonstrations in Barcelona demanding justice.
The protests, he explained, triggered a deeper personal questioning that led him to study Islam more closely.
During this period, he read extensively and searched for information about the religion before deciding to travel abroad. His journey eventually brought him to Istanbul.
The Spanish activist said he had already visited several countries in the region including Egypt and Morocco and had been impressed by what he described as the cultural and social environment in Muslim societies.
Calafell said his conversion took place after visiting the historic Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.
During his visit, he met volunteers from the Intercultural Communication Center Foundation (KIM Vakfi), a local organization that provides information about Islam to visitors.
One of the volunteers helped him find reading materials and answered his questions in Spanish and English.
“Ahmet, a volunteer who spoke both Spanish and English, helped me find sources and learn more about Islam,” Calafell said.
After spending time learning about Islamic practices and interacting with Muslims, he decided to recite the shahada, the declaration of faith that marks conversion to Islam.
Calafell said he is currently staying in Istanbul to experience the atmosphere of Ramadan.
“I am now living in Istanbul to experience the wonderful atmosphere of Ramadan,” he said. “Everything is very beautiful.”
Calafell said he plans to return to Spain and challenge what he describes as widespread misconceptions about Islam.
He argued that negative perceptions of Muslims in Europe and North America often come from political rhetoric and misinformation.
“In Spain, Europe, North America and probably South America there is a widespread hostility toward Muslims,” he said. “Much of it comes from propaganda and the language used by some politicians.”
He added that many people associate Islam with violence without reading the Quran or learning about the religion.
“In many parts of the West Islam is linked with terrorism and violence,” Calafell said. “But when you open the Quran and read it you see the opposite.”
Calafell said education and research are essential to overcoming prejudice.
“My advice is simple,” he said. “Knowledge is what heals intolerance. Please read more and research.”
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