Nearly £1 million has been made available to help design and build a national Muslim war memorial in England.
The Government has begun searching for groups to create the permanent memorial.
It will mark the contribution of Muslim people to British war efforts during the First and Second World Wars.
“Our country is made up of a strong, diverse tapestry of different faith communities and we owe that freedom to the bravery and sacrifice made by those who fought alongside us for a better future all those years ago,” faith and communities minister Nesil Caliskan said.
“Muslim soldiers were a fundamental part of securing victory, but their story has been in the shadows for too long.
“This memorial will make sure their contribution stays in our memory now, and for generations to come.”
It is estimated that at least 400,000 Muslim soldiers fought in the First World War, according to the Government.
Among them was Khudadad Khan, who is thought to be the first Muslim awarded the Victoria Cross during the conflict.
After his fellow soldiers were killed at Hollebeke, Belgium in 1914, he continued firing his machine gun alone, delaying a German advance long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
Injured, he crawled back to his regiment at night.
The competition opens on 10 June and will be open to charities, companies and local authorities in England.
The memorial is intended to offer a space for learning and reflection.
As part of their applications, organisations will have to propose a location themselves and explain how they plan to secure planning permission.
High scoring designs will need to include credible construction timelines and engagement activities, particularly with Muslim and armed forces communities.
Up to £970,000 is available.
Memorials to several communities, groups and war causes have already been built.
These include the Memorial Gates near Buckingham Palace, unveiled in 2002 to mark the contribution of soldiers from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean, the Monument to the Women of World War II in Whitehall, unveiled in 2005, the African and Caribbean War Memorial in Brixton, unveiled in 2017, and the Animals in War Memorial near Hyde Park, unveiled in 2004.
