On Wednesday, May 15, 2013, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan placed a ceremonial stone on a 15-acre construction site in Lanham, Maryland [part of the greater-greater DC area; 81% black & Hispanic; avg. home prices have fallen steadily for 5 years from $375K to $150K. There are other dismal facts. A $100M tax-generating complex probably looked pretty damned good to the city council . . . But these are enemies to the country? What enemies? We don’t see no enemies—sorry about the yellow highlighting; I couldn’t get the red to stick in this para–Dorrie] that will likely become the largest and most striking examples of Islamic architecture in the western hemisphere.

The Turkish American Culture and Civilization Center (TACC) is a project of the government of Turkey and is meant to “serve as a social, cultural, and religious center for all visitors, including activities for the promotion and introduction of the values of the Turkish Civilization” [God forbid they should be coming here to become Americans and rejoice in what we have to offer. No, no, much better to come here and build a wretched House of Muhammad and stay slaves to Allah] . . . .

The TACC Center will consist of five main buildings: a masjid constructed using 16th century classical Ottoman architecture that can hold 760 worshipers; a two-story, 19,990 SF Cultural Center Building including a 220-seating performance hall; a 9,850 SF recreational building with a 180-seat restaurant and traditional coffee shop; a 43,450 SF traditional Turkish bath for up to 22 people at a time and indoor pool and sports center; and 18,500 SF of guest housing including 16 one-bedroom apartment units. The complex will have very limited above ground parking and most cars will park in the 150,700 SF underground parking garage [which means that’s how much land above will be involved in the complex, I should think] which gives direct access to all the main buildings. A few traditionally designed residential buildings, Turkish gardens and fountains, and outdoor recreational areas will also be a part of the complex. Images courtesy of TACC.

Click on the link above to see all the pictures; there are many.