Diyanet Center of America

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Experience the Architecture

Guided
Tours

Step into a divine space where tradition meets timeless beauty, where architecture reflects a rich legacy rooted in faith, knowledge, and community.

The Diyanet Center of America (DCA) revives the legacy of the Ottoman külliye, a traditional Islamic complex designed to meet both the spiritual and social needs of its community. Inspired by the Prophetic Mosque in Medina and perfected by Ottoman architects, külliyes integrated the spiritual, intellectual, and practical aspects of life into one harmonious space.

Located just outside Washington, D.C., the DCA revives this heritage on American soil. At its heart stands a breathtaking mosque, surrounded by a vibrant ecosystem that includes a cultural center, guesthouse, traditional Turkish bath (hammam), restaurant, tea house, gift shop, exhibition areas, and traditional Turkish houses. Designed in the tradition of Ottoman Istanbul’s classical mosques, the DCA blends Ottoman-Turkish aesthetics with modern functionality and sustainability, creating a welcoming space for all.

"The DCA is more than just an architectural complex; it is a non-gated külliye that embodies Rumi’s inclusive vision, where people of all backgrounds feel at home."

Whether you’re a curious traveler, a local resident, or visiting with a group, our guided tours invite you to discover the spiritual, cultural, and architectural legacy that defines the DCA.

Swipe to Explore
DCA Basketball Facility
DCA Mosque Interior Details
DCA Calligraphy Display
DCA Courtyard Archways
DCA Minaret View
DCA Exterior Wide View
DCA Community Gathering
DCA Architecture Overview

What to Expect

Our guided tours offer a rich and immersive experience of the Diyanet Center of America. Each tour typically begins in the main courtyard with an introduction to the philosophy and history behind the DCA and the külliye tradition.

You will then enter the mosque, where you’ll explore its Ottoman-Turkish architecture, elegant calligraphy, and spiritual atmosphere. Visitors are welcome to witness the adhan (call to prayer) and observe the congregational prayer, offering a deeper connection to and understanding of Islamic faith and practice.

Following the mosque visit, guests are guided through other key areas of the complex—including the Diwan Hall, cultural center, tea house, restaurant, and gift shop, where traditional Islamic and Turkish items are available.

Depending on your group’s background and interests, our guides can discuss a variety of topics such as, the basic principles of Islam, interfaith relationships between Islam and other Abrahamic faiths, the role of mosques in Islamic tradition, artistic and architectural expressions of spirituality.

We tailor every tour to the group’s age, education, background, and interests, whether it’s a school group, an interfaith delegation, or individuals simply seeking to learn more about Islam.

For more details, please refer to the FAQ section below.
Plan Your Visit

Choose Your Experience

Group & Organizational Tours

Planning a visit with 10 or more people?

Whether you’re a school, university, interfaith group, community center, or simply a group of friends, Muslim or non-Muslim, we welcome you to explore the DCA through a guided group tour tailored to your interests.

These tours can be customized to focus on specific themes such as Islamic beliefs, Abrahamic traditions, Ottoman-Turkish architecture, or community life.

Our guides will work closely with you to design a meaningful and engaging experience.

Book Appointment

General Public
Guided Tours

For individuals, families, and small groups (3–9 people)

Explore the beauty and significance of the DCA. Tours operate in an open-house format, with visitors being guided together.

Tours take place every Friday, shortly before Jumu'ah prayer, offering a unique opportunity to observe congregational prayer and experience the DCA as a living spiritual space.

Please arrive at the Cultural Center front desk a few minutes early for check-in.

Book Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Tours typically last about one hour, though some school and community visits may extend to two or three hours, depending on the group’s interest and level of engagement.

No, all tours of the Diyanet Center of America (DCA) are free of charge. However, if your group would like to make a donation to support our educational and community programs, it is always appreciated but never expected.

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. We host many student groups. We kindly ask that children be supervised at all times.

Please dress modestly in respect for this place of worship. Visitors should cover their arms and legs. Women are asked to bring a headscarf to cover their hair when entering the prayer hall. Everyone must remove their shoes before entering. Shoe covers are available if needed.

Our Imams are often busy, but may greet visitors if they are available during your tour or leading prayer. Occasionally, groups may observe or even join congregational prayer.

Yes, you’re welcome to take photos or videos—just avoid capturing individuals during prayer to respect their privacy.

Yes, nearly all areas are wheelchair accessible. The underground car park includes an elevator, and there are accessible entrances and restrooms throughout the facility.

Yes, the DCA Café is open to visitors and offers delicious Ottoman-Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Please check the café’s operating hours in advance to ensure it is open during your visit.

Yes, buses and other large vehicles can drop off and pick up passengers at the designated bus stop located directly in front of the DCA Restaurant on the Good Luck Road side. You may also park your bus there during the tour, as space typically allows. Please note that the underground car park cannot accommodate buses or oversized vehicles, so they must park off-site during the tour.

Yes, free parking is available in the underground garage, which can accommodate up to 220 cars. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with better availability during weekday mornings.

You can reach the Diyanet Center of America via Metrobus routes G14 and B27, with a nearby stop just a 3-minute walk from the center. The nearest Metrorail station is New Carrollton (Orange Line), about 12 minutes away by car or taxi, with connecting bus service via route B27. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the area.

During morning tours or visits outside of prayer times, all guests—including women—have full access to all areas of the mosque with their guide. However, during prayer times or when the mosque is in use for congregational worship, guests may be asked to remain in designated sections, and access to certain areas may be organized separately for men and women to maintain respect for the prayer environment. Restrooms and ablution (wudu) areas are separated for men and women at all times.

Yes. You’ll be assigned a guide and notified of their name in advance. For changes or questions, contact us at

tours@diyanetamerica.org.

Yes, absolutely. Whether your group is interested in the relationship between Islam and other Abrahamic religions (such as for church or interfaith groups), or in learning the basic principles of Islam (such as for young Muslim students), our guides will do their best to tailor the tour content to suit your group’s background and interests. We encourage you to share any specific requests or focus areas ahead of time, so we can accommodate them as effectively as possible.