American Center for Religious Affairs

The Diyanet Center of America (DCA) is a religious, cultural, social and scholarly center located in Lanham, Maryland, United States, reflecting Turkish-Islamic civilization and the Ottoman külliye tradition.

History

The foundation of the center was laid in 1993 when Dr. Abdülbaki Keskin, then Advisor for Religious and Social Services at the Turkish Embassy in Washington, initiated the purchase of a 60-dunum plot of land in Maryland. In 2008, under the directive of then Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the project was implemented. The külliye, whose foundation stone was laid in 2013, was completed in mid-2015. Its official opening took place on 2 April 2016 with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs Professor Dr. Mehmet Görmez.

Dome Detail (HASSA Architecture)

Architectural Structure

The Diyanet Center of America incorporates elements of 16th-century Ottoman architecture and Seljuk architecture. The project architect is Muharrem Hilmi Şenalp. Implementation plans and consultancy services were carried out by Hassa Architecture, while construction was executed by Balfour Beatty and AD&C firms. Building materials including stone, marble, wood and tiles were imported from Türkiye; calligraphic works were prepared by calligrapher Hattat Hüseyin Kutlu and decorative elements by painter Nakkaş Semih İrteş.

The külliye covers a construction area of 30,000 m² and includes the following units:

Interior View of the Diyanet Center of America Mosque (HASSA Architecture)

Mosque

• Constructed in the style of 16th-century Ottoman architecture.
• Features an indoor prayer hall (harim) for 760 worshippers and, together with the courtyard, accommodates up to 2,000 people simultaneously.
• Has two minarets, each with two şerefe balconies.
• The mihrab, minbar and kürsü are adorned with marble craftsmanship and tile art.
• The dome decoration features Surah Ikhlas; gold leaf and traditional motifs are used in the interior spaces.

Cultural Center

• Designed in the Seljuk architectural style.
• Includes a 210-seat conference hall, library, exhibition hall, art workshops and meeting rooms.
• The Center for Islamic Studies provides services for academic research and educational programs.

Cultural Center – Library (HASSA Architecture)

Social Facilities

• Constructed in accordance with traditional Turkish architectural principles.
• Includes a 180-seat dining hall, divan hall, café and gift shop sections.
• Serves traditional Turkish cuisine and beverages.

Guesthouse

• Three-story building with a capacity of 16 rooms.
• Provides accommodation for researchers, students and visitors.

Guesthouse (HASSA Architecture)

Turkish Bath

• Consists of separate sections for men and women.
• Offers services including cold rooms, relaxation areas, a café and fitness facilities.
• Also features an indoor swimming pool and a multi-purpose sports hall.

Turkish Bath (HASSA Architecture)

Turkish Houses

• Ten traditional Turkish houses reflecting the vernacular Turkish residential architecture.
• Each has a usable area of 450 m² and is designated for short-term stays.

Turkish Houses (HASSA Architecture)

Islamic Garden and Other Units

• Features a traditional Turkish-Islamic garden layout with cypress trees, şadırvan fountains and water channels.
• Includes open sports areas, a basketball court, picnic grounds and a covered parking lot for 400 vehicles.
• The Museum of Islamic Artifacts is designed according to contemporary museological principles.

Museum of Islamic Artifacts (HASSA Architecture)

Mission and Services

The Diyanet Center of America operates in cooperation with the Directorate of Religious Affairs. Its fundamental principles include delivering religious services free from political influence, guided by the Qur’an and Sunnah; showing respect for different cultures and beliefs; and preserving the religious and cultural identity of Muslims.

Community Center (HASSA Architecture)

At the center the following activities are organized:

• Friday and holiday prayers,
• Mawlid Kandili, Ramadan and other kandil programs,
• Weekend religious education and Qur’an memorization courses,
• Workshops in traditional arts such as ebru, calligraphy and illumination,
• Conferences, seminars and cultural events,
• Hajj, Umrah, sacrificial and funeral services,
• Family and youth programs.

Social Impact

The Diyanet Center of America serves as a gathering place for Muslims of diverse ethnic and sectarian backgrounds, fostering unity and solidarity. It also opens its doors to non-Muslim visitors with the aim of conveying Islam’s message of tolerance and peace. The center is recognized as an important element of Türkiye’s soft power and religious diplomacy.

Contact

Address: 9704 Good Luck Road, Lanham, Maryland 20706

Phone: 301-459-9589

Website: www.diyanetamerica.org

Email: [email protected]

The Diyanet Center of America has become a significant symbol of the Turkish-Islamic presence in the United States through its architecture, comprehensive services and unifying social role.