President Eisenhower Sent Back Muslims Bsck to Their Country

"And I should like to assure you, my Islamic friends, that under the American Constitution, under American tradition, and in American hearts, this center, this place of worship, is just as welcome as could be a similar edifice of any other religion," President Dwight D. Eisenhower said. | AP Photo

Eisenhower dedicates D.C. Islamic Center, June 28, 1957

On this day in 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower opened the Islamic Center of Washington in the city's Embassy Row district. First lady Mamie Eisenhower accompanied him to the dedication ceremony.

Eisenhower told the throng: "It is a privilege to take part in this ceremony of dedication. Meeting with you now, in front of one of the newest and most beautiful buildings in Washington, it is fitting that we rededicate ourselves to the peaceful progress of all men under one God.

"And I should like to assure you, my Islamic friends, that under the American Constitution, under American tradition, and in American hearts, this center, this place of worship, is just as welcome as could be a similar edifice of any other religion. Indeed, America would fight with her whole strength for your right to have here your own church and worship according to your own conscience.

"This concept is indeed a part of America, and without that concept we would be something else than what we are."

The president noted that "civilization owes to the Islamic world some of its most important tools and achievements. From fundamental discoveries in medicine to the highest planes of astronomy, the Muslim genius has added much to the culture of all peoples. That genius has been a wellspring of science, commerce, and the arts and has provided for all of us many lessons in courage and in hospitality."

The center was conceived in 1944 when Mehmet Munir Ertegun — the father of rhythm and blues and rock impresario Ahmet Ertegun and the Turkish ambassador to the United States — died at age 61 without there being any mosques in the country at which his funeral could be held. The site was purchased in 1946, and the cornerstone was laid on Jan. 11, 1949. The mosque was designed by Italian architect Mario Rossi and completed in 1954.

The Washington Islamic diplomatic community played a leading role in the effort to fund the mosque, which features a 160-foot-high minaret. The Egyptian government donated a bronze chandelier and sent specialists who wrote Quranic verses that adorn the mosque's walls and ceiling. Tiles came from Turkey, along with experts to install them. Persian rugs came from Iran. (They have since been replaced.)

Support for the project also came from the American-Muslim community.

In addition to the mosque, the center encompasses a library and classrooms where courses on Islamic culture and the Arabic language are taught. Islamic ambassadors make up the center's board of governors. The flags of the world's Islamic nations are arrayed around the grounds.

President George W. Bush visited the mosque on Sept. 17, 2001, less than a week after the attacks of Sept. 11. Appearing on national television, Bush quoted from the Quran while striving to assure Americans that a clear majority of Muslims remain peaceful and reject terrorism.

SOURCE: "THIS DAY IN PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY," BY PAUL BRANDUS

President Eisenhower Sent Back Muslims Bsck to Their Country

Source: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/06/28/eisenhower-dedicates-dc-islamic-center-june-28-1957-667325

Share this post