A Journey to Islamic Art and Architecture

“ In November 1944, the idea for building a Mosque in Washington DC was created through a discussion between Mr. M. Abu Al Hawa and the former Ambassador of Egypt, Mr. Mahmood Hassan Pasha.”

 Prof. Mario Rossi, an Italian architect who built several mosques in  Egypt, designed the Islamic center in DC.

 Egypt donated a beautiful bronze chandelier and sent it’s specialists  who  wrote the Quranic verses on the mosque’s walls and ceiling.

Turkey sent experts to install the mosaic tiles.

Iran sent the Persian rugs which is still at the Islamic Center until today.

**continued at the Islamic Center

** continued at the Islamic Center: 

- A large prayer hall

- columns with a luxurious gold layering around parts of it 

** continued at the Islamic Center:

** continued at the Islamic Center:

** continued at the Islamic Center:

The Islamic Center is the most popular mosque in the DC area. It is known from its detailed designs in and out!

    The Mustafa Center is named after Al-Mustafa, which is the Chosen One, this is one of the names of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The center used to be an abandoned property, by those with drug addiction and drinking. In 1995 after tireless efforts of the community, the land was purchased for purpose of building a house of worship.The Mustafa Center was then opened in November 1999. 

The Architecture: 

“ exterior of mosque : light-green dome, two domed minarets on each side, an arch entrance portico supported by columns and tiles with Quranic inscriptions

interior of the mosque : chandeliers and a lovely mehrab ( a wall in the  mosque in which it identifies the direction of makkah )”

The Mustafa Center is a more basic local mosque but still has many wonderful designs.

     Diyanet Center of America is an organization dedicated to providing religious and social services to all people. The recent result of the creation of this mosque is a small village that is hoped to be a popular cultural gathering area for all visitors and residents of Washington DC area. 

“The 16th century classical Ottoman architecture features, courtyard, dome, two minarets, a portico’s place.”

**continued photos from Diyanet Center:

** continued photographs from Diyanet Center

This is the Diyanet Center of America. It is filled with beautiful and detailed designs and architecture including its noticeable Minaret (tower) and Qubba (dome).