American Center for Religious Affairs

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

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-dönüm plot of land in Maryland. In 2008, the project was implemented following instructions from then Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The külliye, whose foundation stone was laid in 2013, was completed in mid-2015. Its official opening took place on 2 April 2016, attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs Professor Dr. Mehmet Görmez.

^{Dome Detail (}HASSA Architecture⁾

The Diyanet Center of America incorporates elements of 16th-century Ottoman architecture and Seljuk architectural traditions. The lead architect of the project 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 Hüseyin Kutlu and decorative elements by painter Semih İrteş.

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

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

• Constructed in the style of 16th-century Ottoman architecture.
• Features an enclosed prayer hall (harim) for 760 worshippers and an open courtyard, allowing a total capacity of 2,000 people to pray 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 throughout the interior.

• 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⁾

• Built in accordance with traditional Turkish architectural principles.
• Includes a 180-seat dining hall, divan lounge, cafeteria and souvenir sections.
• Offers meals and beverages characteristic of Turkish cuisine.

• A three-story building with 16 rooms.
• Provides accommodation services for researchers, students and visitors.

^{Guesthouse (}HASSA Architecture⁾

• Features separate sections for women and men.
• Offers cold rooms, relaxation areas, a cafeteria and fitness studios.
• Also includes an indoor swimming pool and a multi-purpose sports hall.

^{Turkish Bath (}HASSA Architecture⁾

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

^{Turkish Houses (}HASSA Architecture⁾

• Features a traditional Turkish-Islamic garden layout with service trees, şadırvan fountains and water channels.
• Includes open sports areas, a basketball court, a picnic area 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⁾

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

^{Community Center (}HASSA Architecture⁾

The center offers the following activities:

• Friday and holiday prayers,
• Mawlid Kandili, Ramadan and other kandili programs,
• Weekend religious education and Qur’an memorization courses,
• Traditional art workshops including ebru, calligraphy and illumination,
• Conferences, seminars and cultural events,
• Hajj, Umrah, sacrificial and funeral services,
• Family and youth programs.

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 messages of tolerance and peace. The center is recognized as a key element of Türkiye’s soft power and religious diplomacy.

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, distinguished by its architecture, comprehensive services and unifying social role.