Islamic Center of Washington, Washington DC
Exterior view of the Islamic Center of Washington. Photo
Josh.
Exterior view at sunset. Photo
Gene Bonventre.
Closer view of the minaret. Photo
dbking.
Window detail. Photo
Jeri Gloege.
George W. Bush in the Islamic Center of Washington. Public domain.
Location map and aerial view of Islamic Center of Washington. For a larger interactive view, see our Washington DC Map.
Completed in 1957, the Islamic Center of Washington is a mosque and Islamic cultural center in Washington D.C., located on Embassy Row near the bridge over Rock Creek.
History
The idea for an Islamic Center was originally conceived in 1944 when the Turkish ambassador died and there was no mosque in which to hold his funeral. The Washington diplomatic community played a leading role in the effort to have a mosque constructed.
Support came from the Muslim American community and most of the Islamic nations of the world, who donated money, decorations, and craftsmen to the project. The Islamic Center is controlled by a board of governors made up of various ambassadors.
The site was purchased in 1946 and the corner stone was laid in 1949. The building was designed by Italian architect Mario Rossi and was dedicated on June 28, 1957 with President Eisenhower in attendance. When it opened, the Islamic Center of Washington was the largest Muslim place of worship in the Western Hemisphere.
The mosque has been visited by many high profile dignitaries, including several presidents. The highest profile visit was by George W. Bush on September 17, 2001, only days after the September 11th attacks. On national television Bush quoted from the Koran and assured Americans that vast majority of Muslims are peaceful.
What to See
Some 6,000 people attend prayers at the mosque each Friday. As well as a mosque, the Islamic Center of Washington contains a library and classrooms for courses on Islam and the Arabic language. Around the building are flags of the Islamic nations of the world.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Islamic Center of Washington |
| Location: | Washington DC, USA |
| Category: | Mosques |
| Faith: | Islam |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1949-57 |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 38.917091° N, 77.056759° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | 2551 Massachusetts Ave., Washington, DC, USA |
| Phone: | 202-332-8343 |
| Hours: | Mon-Sat 10:00am- 5:00pm, Sun 10:00am- 2:00pm |
| Services: | Friday Prayer begins at 1:30pm. Classes on Islam, the Quran and the Arabic language are held on Saturdays and Sundays. |
Travel Resources for Washington DC
- Washington DC Map - our detailed interactive map of Washington DC, plus hand-picked links to more
- Washington DC Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Washington DC
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- Washington DC Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Washington DC Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Washington DC tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Wikipedia (some text incorporated under GFDL)
- Islamic Center - Washington DC Visitor's Guide
- Islamic Center of Washington - IgoUgo.com - user review and photos
- Religion Collections at the Islamic Center Library - Library of Congress
- Remarks of President Bush at the Islamic Center, September 17, 2001
Article last updated: 04/16/2009.
