The area is a stronghold of the hard-line Deobandi Islamic sect, which began as a movement against British imperialism in India - the modern-day Taliban are Deobandis.

BBC: Terrorism trial puts focus on Sparkhill and Sparkbrook

Should the pope pray, make the sign of the cross or get down on his knees while there, he's likely to further anger Turkish Muslims who see him as a modern crusader who wants to reinforce Christianity in Turkey as well as nationalists who see him as the face of western imperialism wanting to carve Turkey up.

NPR: Tensions in Turkey Rise Ahead of Papal Visit