Visit DCA
GUIDED TOURS TO DCA
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.
What to Expect on the Tour
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.
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 Diyanet Center of America through a guided group tour tailored to your interests.
These tours can be customized to focus on specific themes such as Islamic beliefs and practices, interfaith dialogue and Abrahamic traditions, Ottoman-Turkish architecture and calligraphy, Islamic art and aesthetics, spirituality and worship practices, or community life and sociological perspectives.
Whether your group prefers a general introduction or a more in-depth discussion on a particular topic, our guides will work closely with you to design a meaningful and engaging experience.
General Public Guided Tours
Our general public tours welcome individuals, families, and small groups (3-9) to explore the beauty and significance of the DCA. These tours operate like an open house, welcoming anyone interested, with participants often joined by other individuals or groups and guided together by one of our knowledgeable tour guides.
General public tours take place every Friday, starting before the Friday (Jumu’ah) prayer in the afternoon and continuing until Asr prayer. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe or join a congregational prayer and experience the DCA in its living, spiritual rhythm.
Tours begin in the serene courtyard and continue into the majestic prayer hall, adorned with handcrafted calligraphy and Turkish tilework. Along the way, you’ll learn how the DCA blends spiritual symbolism with community service in a uniquely American context, all inspired by the Ottoman külliye tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the tour last?
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.
Is there a fee for the tour?
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.
Can children join the tour?
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.
What should we wear? What is the dress code?
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.
Can we meet the Imam?
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.
Can we take pictures or videos?
Yes, you’re welcome to take photos or videos—just avoid capturing individuals during prayer to respect their privacy.
Is the mosque wheelchair accessible?
Yes, nearly all areas are wheelchair accessible. The underground car park includes an elevator, and there are accessible entrances and restrooms throughout the facility.
Is there a place to eat after the tour?
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.
Can we come with a bus? Where can it drop off passengers?
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.
Is parking available at the DCA?
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.
What are the public transportation options to reach DCA?
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.
How is access handled for male and female areas?
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.
Will we have a guide? Who do we contact?
Yes. You’ll be assigned a guide and notified of their name in advance. For changes or questions, contact us at
Can we ask the guide to focus on specific topics relevant to our group?
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.