Here at the Islamic Cultural Center of New York do you know what makes this mosque truly unique? It’s not just the stunning architecture. It is its position rotated 29 degrees from Manhattan’s grid.
The Islamic Cultural Center of New York stands as a beacon of faith and culture. It enriches the city’s vibrant tapestry. As the first purpose-built mosque in New York City, it holds a special place in the hearts of the Muslim community.
Plans for this grand center began in the late 1960s. The first center functioned modestly in a townhouse. It was located at 1 Riverside Drive. But the board had bigger dreams. They wanted a landmark fitting for their community’s stature.
The project expanded. It included a mosque, school, library, museum, and lecture hall. Raising funds from Muslim countries took time. Relocating tenants also caused delays. Finally, construction started in October 1984.
The mosque’s construction began May 28, 1987. This day coincided with the end of Ramadan. The minaret’s cornerstone was laid September 26, 1988. But the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait slowed progress. The First Gulf War further delayed the project.
The Islamic Cultural Center of New York finally opened April 15, 1991. It opened for the Eid ul-Fitr feast. Over 46 Muslim countries contributed to the 17 million dollar cost.
The Islamic Cultural Center of New York faces Mecca. Its heading is at 58 degrees. This orientation means the building sits at a 29-degree angle. It is relative to Manhattan’s north-south street grid. This unique rotation fulfills two key goals. It makes the mosque stand out. It ensures the mihrab faces the Kaaba in Mecca.
The site stretches 274 meters. Eight columns and four trusses create a solid framework. This balances the building. Six infill panels hold pink granite slabs. Glass beading sits in front of welded steel tubes.
Inside the Islamic Cultural Center of New York, two floors separate men and women. Each floor has washrooms, meeting rooms, and administration spaces. A prayer hall welcomes everyone.
The design is based on a pure cube. Three windows are set at angles. They allow light to shine into the masjid. The mosque walls feature stone from Stony Creek, Connecticut. The dome has three stacked layers of frames. It takes the shape of a hemisphere. The dome is made of copper. It shares this material with the Statue of Liberty.
The Islamic Cultural Center of New York marked a turning point for Muslims. It represented Turkish, Lebanese, Yemeni, Pakistani, and American origins. The mosque’s large dome and high minaret made it stand out. No other mosques were comparable in urban presence.
Since its opening in 1991, the Islamic Cultural Center of New York has held daily prayers regularly. The Jum’ah service happens weekly. It occurs between 12:30 P.M. and 1:30 P.M. in winter. During summer, it shifts to between 1:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M. Jum’ah also takes place at the old mosque. It is located at 1 Riverside Drive. Tarawih prayers are held nightly during Ramadan. Idu-Fitr and Idul-Adha prayers occur at the new mosque.
So, as you leave, remember the Islamic Cultural Center of New York. It stands not only as a place of worship. It is a testament to community, culture, and architectural ingenuity.