Sikhism in Portugal
.svg) | |
.jpg) Turbaned Sikhs during the Roteiro Justiça Climática (Climate Justice Route) in Odemira, Portugal (2022) | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 35,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Lisbon · Albufeira · Porto | |
| Religions | |
| Sikhism | |
| Languages | |
| Punjabi · Portuguese |
Sikhs in Portugal is a minority religion. The Sikh community in Portugal is a small but vastly growing one. According to the latest available data, there are estimated to be around 35,000 Sikhs living in the country.[1][2]
The Sikh population in Portugal has grown over the years, with many Sikhs migrating to the country for agricultural work, construction work or to start their own businesses. Sikhism in Portugal dates back to the 1990s, where many Sikhs migrated as a result of relaxed immigration policies and labour shortages.
History
[edit]1990's to present
[edit]After Portugal joined the European Union in 1986 and Schengen Area in 1995, it became attractive for a large number of immigrants from the Indian subcontinent. The Sikh migration began in the early 1990s when Portugal was undergoing a construction boom and was in a labour shortage.[3]
Since the 1990s, Sikhs from Punjab, India began to work in the agricultural, tourism and manufacturing sector. Many Sikhs also have opened up Indian restaurants around Portugal.[4][5]
Most Sikhs can be found in Lisbon, Porto, Albufeira and other cities in the Algarve.[6]
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In 2008, Portuguese Police did not arrest a Sikh man for his kirpan despite the blade exceeded the legal limit because they recognised its religious significance.[7]
In 2022, it was reported that 2,000 Sikhs took part in the annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan parade in Porto.[8]
Demographics
[edit]- In 2007, it was estimated there were 5,000 Sikhs in Portugal.[9]
- In 2010, it was estimated by Sikh religious leaders in Portugal that there were 10,000 Sikhs.[10]
- In 2024, according to Indian Embassy in Portugal there are estimated to be 35,000 Sikhs living in Portugal.[1][2]
Gurdwara
[edit]There are 3 Gurdwaras in Portugal.[11]
- Gurdwara Sikh Sangat Sahib in Lisbon
- Gurdwara Sri Guru Teg Bahadur in Albufeira
- Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Porto
See also
[edit]- Religion in Portugal
- Sikhism by country
- Indians in Portugal
- Sikhism in Greece
- Sikhism in Italy
- Sikhism in France
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Portugal Fact Sheet". Embassy of India (Lisbon, Portugal).
Sikhs (35,000), In recent years, the number of Indians (especially from Punjab/Haryana) has increased significantly owing to the easing of immigration norms by Portugal. However, since many of them do not have valid residency documents, official figures are not available.
- ^ a b Sibal, Sidhant (20 May 2020). "'Brave' Indian Sikh community members went to quarantine centers to deliver mission's supplies: Indian envoy to Portuga". WioNews.
We had a large number of Indians here and with the support of the Gurudwaras, the Sikh community, the Indians diaspora, many volunteers in the Indian community we were able to arrange free food and deliver food kit rations to more than 1800 stranded Indians so far
- ^ Kahlon, Swaran Singh (1 January 2020). Sikhs in Continental Europe: From Norway to Greece and Russia to Portugal. Manohar. ISBN 9390035600.
- ^ Lopes, Jessica (1 November 2020). "Sikh Punjabi transnational families in Lisbon and Punjab" (PDF). Sikh Punjabi transnational families in Lisbon and Punjab.
- ^ Myrvold, Kristina. "Sikhs in Portugal". Sikhs in Portugal.
- ^ Makan, Ajay (21 May 2022). "How Portugal Quietly Became a Migration Hub". Foreign Policy.
At sunset in Portugal's rural South, Punjabi Sikhs walk hand in hand in villages into cafes with Punjabi signs
- ^ "Police did not charge Sikh for wearing his kirpan". United Sikhs.
- ^ "The Sikhs color Porto Sant'Elpidio: two thousand at the Nagar Kirtan procession and to say no to war". La Provincia Di Fermo. 24 April 2022.
- ^ "Pictures of a Sikh service at the Sikh temple in Odivelas, suburbs".
Pictures of a Sikh service at the Sikh temple in Odivelas, suburbs of Lisbon, Portugal. There are around 5000 Sikhs in Portugal
- ^ Jennifer, McGarrigle; Ascensão, Eduardo (3 April 2017). "Emplaced mobilities: Lisbon as a translocality in the migration journeys of Punjabi Sikhs to Europe". Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. doi:10.1080/1369183X.2017.1306436.
Religious leaders estimate that the community peaked at 10,000 in 2010
- ^ "Gurdwaras in Portugal". World Gurdwaras.
