The contractor, Krško-based Kostak, has until 10 October to complete excavation of the construction pit. During this time, the contractor for the main building will be selected.

Mufti Nedžad Grabus labelled the start of construction works as "a major landmark" for the Muslims community, which will "finally get a building worthy of it and Islam as a world religion," according to a press release from the community.

The financial details have not been revealed, but Grabus confirmed that Qatar, which was expected to cover 70% of the project cost, had contributed funding. Without Qatar "the Islamic community would not be able to continue with the project," he was quoted as saying.

The mosque and Muslim cultural centre, 44 years in the making, will be built north of the city centre, on a plot of land that the Muslim community bought from the City of Ljubljana, at a projected cost of EUR 21m.

The building was designed by the renowned architectural firm Bevk Perovič Arhitekti.