Exploring the Largest Mosque in the Americas

Exploring the Largest Mosque in the Americas

Centro Cultural Islámico Custodio de las Dos Sagradas Mezquitas Rey Fahd Photo: Ana Astri-O'Reilly

Posted October 23, 2024

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It is a bright spring day in the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires. The usual mix of cars, buses, taxis, and delivery vans comprise the heavy traffic. Just people going about their business along Avenida Bullrich. On one side of the road, elegant apartment buildings crowd behind the elevated train tracks. On the other side, behind the railings, a different story emerges. Here, soaring minarets dominate the skyline, and open space and silence abound. It is the Centro Cultural Islámico Custodio de las Dos Sagradas Mezquitas Rey Fahd, the largest mosque in the Americas by area.

Largest Mosque in the Americas

Mosque on one side of the avenue, everyday life on the other Photo: Ana Astri-O’Reilly

History of Muslims in Argentina

According to official records, three waves of Arab immigration occurred in Argentina. In the 1850s and 60s, Syrians fleeing Ottoman rule settled in the country. The other two waves took place between 1870 and the First World War, and 1919-1926.

By the 1960s, only one-tenth of the Arab community claimed to be practicing Muslims. The reason may be the high rate of intermarriage between Muslims and Catholics, resulting in the community becoming quickly integrated into the society. However, according to some estimates, the Muslim population in Argentina was estimated to be one million in 2010 with projections anticipated an increase to 1,233,000 by 2030. This puts Argentina in the top three countries in the Americas with the largest projected increase in the share of the Muslim population, together with the United States and Canada.

The Islamic Center is open to the community. It includes a vaccination site run by the city government. Arabic language, culture courses, and seminars take place here. Free daily guided tours provide insights to visitors. The library boasts books in Spanish, Arabic, and English.

Mosque Courtyard

Main Courtyard Photo: Ana Astri-O’Reilly

Exploring the Mosque on a Guided Tour

I recently took the free guided tour, which takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at noon. There is no need to book in advance, so I just showed up a few minutes before noon with a government ID at the ready. We waited next to the security booth for a few minutes and then met our guide on the steps leading to the main courtyard.

After a brief introduction, our guide reminded us to respect this place of worship. The construction of the mosque and Islamic center was part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s plan to spread Islam. The center’s purposes include contributing to the strengthening of relations between both countries, serving the Islamic community, and spreading the Islamic faith and Arabic culture.

The official opening took place in September 2000, with, among other dignitaries, the then president of Argentina, Dr. Fernado de la Rúa and the Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in attendance. The Islamic center covers 366,0000 square feet and comprises a mosque for 1,500 worshippers, two minarets, a school, a library, a sports area, extensive gardens, and conference rooms. Also, a large underground parking lot provides convenient parking and access to the mosque.

The arches and colors are redolent of Moorish Spain, where the Muslims ruled for eight centuries. The highly ornate iron grilles in the windows serve a double purpose: decoration and privacy.

We moved on through the courtyard towards the school. For security and privacy reasons, we were not allowed to enter the school but could see it through large windows. Colegio King Fahd is also open to non-Muslims. Currently, there are about 350 preschool and elementary school students, and there are plans to open a high school soon.

Largest mosque in the Americas

Prayer Hall Photo: Ana Astri-O’Reilly

Gaining Insights Through Connections

The library was next on the itinerary. The librarian told us about the books, bound in blue, red, and green leather with gold Arabic inscriptions—a mesmerizing effect. The library is open to all, and courses, workshops, and talks take place there. There are two religious talks on Fridays, one for men at 2 p.m. and one for women at 3 p.m.

At last, we walked past the ablution areas towards the prayer hall. We removed our shoes and filed inside the vast space. I was accustomed to the shape of Christian churches: a long and narrow nave with an altar at the end, the design surprised me. It is wider than it is deep, and a prayer carpet is used instead of pews. Replace for the first time just before the pandemic, the rich burgundy red carpet displays woven arch-shaped symbols that point towards the mihrab in the far end and Mecca.

Practicing Muslims must pray five times a day. Since our visit coincided with one of the prayer times at around 1 p.m., we took the opportunity to stay in the hall while the sheik led the prayer. A handful of men trickled in and joined the worship. One young woman in our party quietly stole upstairs to the women-only area to pray. The sheik’s voice reverberated in the hall, helped by the well-thought-out acoustics. When finished, the sheik introduced himself and chatted briefly about his work.  His talk, combined with a visit to the Centro Cultural Islámico Custodio de las Dos Sagradas Mezquitas Rey Fahd, truly provides insights into what it means to be a Muslim.

 

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  • Ana Astri OReilly1

    Ana Astri-O’Reilly is a fully bilingual travel blogger and writer originally from Argentina. She has published travel and food articles in a variety of outlets and is active on social media platforms. You can read her musings, memories, and other writing here.