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October 3rd, 2010
05:10 PM ET
First images of proposed NYC Islamic centerThe group behind the proposed Islamic cultural center near New York's ground zero has released what it is calling the first official images of the center. The website for the project, known as the Park51 Community Center, said that the "new images display an updated exterior and provide a first look into Park51’s interior and lend some insight on how we’re envisioning the project," in a post that went up Tuesday but that initially drew little notice. Plans for the $100 million, 13-story center include a 500-seat auditorium, classrooms and conference rooms, space for social events, a 9/11 memorial, a pool and a gym.
Scores of Muslims are already using the Lower Manhattan site as a mosque. The imam behind the proposed Islamic center and mosque is largely avoiding New York City because of security concerns and is receiving protection from the New York Police Department, according to those close to the imam.
The images of the project were produced by SOMA Architects, which Park51's website identifies as the project's architectural design consultants. |
  About this blog
The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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I'm still waiting for Trump to make another offer.
They have some gurts.
striking architecture – i would walk by to see the building. I understand the nod to history and really like the modern take. Hope it is built
I'm not going to say that I know this for sure but, the architecture looks like it was done to reflect the nature of a bee's beehive. The architecture looks like the honeycomb shape of a beehive. The bee's intelligence is used very intently to show mankind the simple workings of life. The bee in the Qur'an and the prophet's ahaddith (sayings) also supplies mankind with an abundance of life saving remedies with what it produces from its body. Surah 16 of the Quran is called "the Bee".
So it will be a "hive" of radical terrorists ?
I still don't like it. To my eyes it looks as if they're symbolizing freezing that moment right after the collapse when the beams were all crumpled, like they're saying " And never forget what we did to you that day" I don't like it one bit. It's nothing like their traditional architecture for such a facility, I'd like to hear them explain their reasoning for that abstract!
Of course muslims have the right to build their own mosque just same as christians do have the same right , we are in the country of freedom.
suggest to take a look Quran Islamic Holly Book go to 51"ayed" and read it, how hates Jews and Christians, no kidding, I just find out today from Turkish Newspaper then I went site to see, yes is unfortunately right, there is a writing about Jewish and Christian, suggest don't lesson to them they are supports each others and add it "Allah does not lead to unjust society". How come with this hate message in holly book they will have tolerance for other religion even here in united States (we know they have almost no where in their countries) and build Masque just next to 9-11 victims side. I can't get it.
Quran 2:62. Believers, Jews, Christians and Sabaeans – whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does what is right – shall be rewarded by their Lord; they have nothing to fear or regret.
FOR THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE....
The Quran has been written 50 million times from Isalmic apologistists since Mohammed couldnt read or write. Mohammed ORIGINAL saying was recorded and there are still copies out there justifing the TRUTH. Crack open a bible and learn the truth. Mohammed STOLE information from the bible(plagarizing now called), and how can ONE man change may PROPHETS stories. The quran is a pamphlet compared to the bible. Which means, Mohammed was a teacher not a prophet who missed alot in teaching people about who they THINK is GOD. GOD NEVER DIRECTED ONE MAN to change thousands of years of history. IT TOOK MANY MEN of GOD and too many REAL prophets to change the hearts and lives of others guided and directed by GOD in the bible.
@ above, I agree if you read the bible you will have no doubt the "Islam" is the truth!!
afterall Jesus was a muslim (one who submits his will to the one god)
Too much freedom to outsiders...with no support to those of us within America's walls. No, keep out.
just an opinion...im sure yours stinks as much as you think mine does.
It is a horrible facade; it ooks like a spider web weaved by a giant drunk spider.
You're a clown Jose. Most Americans will look at your name and want to send you back to Mexico whether you belong or not. Yet you want to make discriminatory remarks against Muslims who had nothing to do with 911. Why don't you move to Arizona so you can get a taste of what unfair discrimination feels like when you are guilty by association because of your name or dress?
Where do you publish your other architectural critiques?
i, too, think it's ugly.
Wait till the poisonour little terrorist spiders populate the web and start spewing venom
It does, Jose! Lol!
Abudu, you're a frigging idiot. Take your emotionalism elsewhere, troll.
First off, to Brandon and Corey...this is no tribute to those who lost their lives in the radical Islamic attacks on the United States on that fateful day in 2001. And it was the choice of the owners of this Mosque to build it on a still scarred and beaten ground. Their foolish decision is cruel and thoughtless. Yes, I believe they have the right to build this mosque but they are not thinking of the emotional ethics of the situation. This is like a Neo-Nazi cult being based a few hundred yards away from Auswitcz or Belsen. It is cruel and will hit that soft and bitter spot in Americas heart. The 100 million dollars could have been used to build the 9/11 memorial or fund the museum, but instead it is used to brianwash and influence others to follow the same path as those who killed so many innocent and helpless American nine yeas ago. It is their right to build the facility, but they are ignoring the ethics and emotions involved in this situation. It is going to harm more people than it is going to help. This is cruel...downright cruel... Forever remember 9/11 and all those scarred by the ordeal and lost in the attacks. GOD BLESS.
"Still scared and beaten ground"? You mean the site of the old Burlington Coat Factory three blocks from the Trade Center site? It's not actually ON the site of the Towers, you know that, right?
And this is nothing like a Neo-Nazi cult building a site new Auschwitz. It was Islamist terrorists that attacked us, not Islamic Americans. There IS a difference between Islamist and Islamic.
This center is not trying to brainwash anyone. It's a f*king community center. Is the Jewish Community Center trying to brainwash New Yorkers into following Judaism?
Kelly, it's only cruel in your small mind because you make the assumption that all muslims are terrorists. By your logic, all schools should be separated from catholic churches.
It's 2010...time to take off the blinders...
Kelly, unfortunately you publicly show you dont understand that 9/11 and Islam have nothing to do with one another. You are a victim of Conservative propaganda, and have somehow tied the 20 criminal hijackers to all Muslims, that is idiotic..
Kelly – I find it hilarious you continue to say "God Bless". Do you not realize that god is the reason for all of this to begin with? It's the argument of whose fictional being is the real one. I have news for you, you are both wrong. What God would let his people fight over which one is real? What God would let 3,000 people die in the name of either the true god or the false one? If god was blessing anything, maybe you should let him work things out and stop posting your hate. ANd based on your posts, even if there was a God, you wont be spending eternity with him.
Its only cruel to morons who think muslims are equivalent to neo nazis. Its not the muslim's fault that these people are so stupid that they dont know the difference between a world religion and a hate group.
Yes well and as a resident of Manhattan and witness to 9/11 not only will I NOT boycott anyone who contributes to the proposed Islamic Center but I'm feeling alot like making a donation to it myself. They aren't insulting anyone. They're doing a nice thing, putting up a multi service community center, like so many others we have in the City, in a part of town that looked like crap well before 9/11.
I see those who oppose it as being far more insulting to the memory of those lost and hurt in the attacks, remembering them with hate and intolerance is insulting. Let us remember them with love, tolerance and open hearts instead.
Its not a MULTI – SERVICE community center. It is a community center for MUSLIMS... And as far as it not insulting anyone – they are insulting me and my friends who were lost in the 9/11 attacks. This is cruel. To those lost – GOD BLESS!
Kelly, it is open to everyone, not just Muslims. Just like the Jewish Community Center is open to everyone, not just Jews.
I have world trade center dust in my lungs, and fully support this Islamic center. I hope it is the moderate voice the majority of muslims need..
Nice burka, "Julie"
You obviously have no clue what this mosque is about and who Rauf is??? This man does not call Hamas a terrorist group. He wants Sharia law to be instilled in the US. He said the US is to blame for 9/11.... Why are we so stupid???
SI – perhaps it is you that is stupid. And do you not think the US did anything to ever upset the attackers? Are you insane? Im certainly not saying they were justified, but if you think the US is innocent,. you REALLY need to stop watching Fox. Any other Fox soundbites you want to share with the rest of us? Hate to break it to you but most of us are far to smart to listen to your propaganda.
Hey Brandon, Jewish community centres are open to everyone because Jews are an intelligent, peaceful religion....muslims are not....anyone who does not believe this to be a "victory mosque" as islam has perpetrated all around the world already, is ignorant to islam, and should definitely not be in any type of leadership position....muslims ha
Why don't they add a memorial to pay respects to the 3000 who died inside the building? Sort of an olive branch gesture.
Did you read the damn article?
"Plans for the $100 million, 13-story center include a 500-seat auditorium, classrooms and conference rooms, space for social events, A 9/11 MEMORIAL, a pool and a gym."
Laura can read but, like most FOX News adherents she can't comprehend what she reads unless a Fox News anchor is explaining the story with their slant of deception.
That's exactly what this Islamic center is, a memorial to the 3000 people that died, and an olive branch to America. So far most ignorant Americans are spitting on the olive branch because they are intolerant, racist, small minded people.. Well at least half of America is...
Wait, when did 3000 people die in a Burlington Coat Factory, did I miss the news that night?
A very expensive Arab-Islamic-Muslim terrorist sleeper cell.
for that kind of money, you could buy 50 osa mas along the paki-afg han border.
Fox much?
Sure Jose and you are probably a sleeper member of a Mexican drug cartel.
abudu makkram why ru gettin so offended are you a terrorist?
@ Parupkar..Why dont you take ur sorry @$$ back to india where you can be a happy little hindu bigot again 🙂
that building is ridiculous looking. i have no problem with it being built, but it reminds me too much of aeon flux.
The violence it will create will make the explosive Aeon Flux climax look like "Swan Lake"
thats insane to automatically assume something so terrible. all eyes are on this building, they arent doing anything wrong. this country was born on the principles of freedom and tolerance. strip that away and you'll find the true warning aeon flux gave about a dystopian future.
that being said i still think this building is an eye sore.
Who is funding this project....????
i am,...lol
A large portion of the funding is coming from the second largest shareholder of the Fox News Corp., Al-Waleed bin Talal.
It has been approved by the city and mayor of New York city Lisa so of what concern of yours is who's funding it? Who funded your place of worship?
One of Fox News main shareholders, an Arab from Dubai I believe. (not kidding look it up, you'll be shocked)
the same saudis who invest in the rest of your country!
Hamas is funding this mosque.
Taxpayers forced upon by our lovely president... This terrorist sympathizer (rauf) is on Obama's payroll.. YOUR TAX DOLLARS!!! We must remove Obama ASAP!!!
SI – you do know he was also on Bush's payroll right? Or are you just like many other repugs who only spread facts that make them look better?
Mayor of Newyork city Bloomberg is supporting the mosque and I am sure he will arrange the funding from the wall street banks. There is nothing wrong with that as that is the American way.
Shaddup Abundu
I don't see anything "nice" about this building. Its just another architectural aesthetic trend, that I find quite literally pointless by its use and waste of material in form, structure and space. It may look attractive, but lacks the ability to solve any real current issues in its internal program, culture and impact of its existence.
Strictly just speaking on the behalf of how the building looks and acts, not the social activities held within its contents.
Precisely. A Burlington Coat factory would be a much better choice for this location, right?
I said it was not nice a nice building but may be viewed as aesthetically pleasing. The purpose of the aesthetics though do not provide any bearing to what this religious center is or how it functions. You could interchange the function of the building and yet never know what the buildings purpose was by looking at its facade. It is a waste.
Could you explain your logic, or expound on what you are trying to say?
I find your statement confusing.
And it is my business, for this is an open forum to comment and critique current events, issues and comments.
Bob,
D.N is without any defensible logic...just like the rest of the Tea Party. They're running on pure anger and emotion.
i.e. form follows function. The form of this building is amorphous and lacks any symbolic gesture other than a random web of structure.
The Hearst Tower on 56th st. in NYC by Norman Foster is a good example how the ingenuity of engineering structure are imposed on the facade, which represent the true meaning, intentions and understanding of not only the designer but the company itself.
I'm not on the "tea party" wagon, sorry. Im speaking from an architectural aspect.
Clark: I disagree. I think it will help tremendously. But I think (from the pictures they showed) that it is pretty darn ugly.
Did any of you notice how many times the Star of David appears on the facade? And the Cross? I believe there is an honest outreaching to other religions, and I believe the project should go ahead as planned with the support of everyone, including the families of the victims of 9/11. Remember, there were a lot of Muslims that died when the towers came down, too. It could be a really good thing for New York and the country if we could get past the hatred and come to realize that we are all human beings on the same planet. I don't have a problem with going after the bad guys, but don't assume that because a few people of a religion are bad they are all bad.
DN Clark – You must be rather naive, talking to Muslims about things like architecture and aesthetic value 🙂
Al Hatf:
As an architecture major, I feel I have a basic understanding of architecture and design principals. I do also understand and have briefly studied Muslim architecture history. So riddle me this, If architecture and aesthetic values are so important to your culture, where does the rendering of this building display any precedent to previous Muslim architecture?
Regardless, this is not my point. The point is, aesthetics are not the primary objective in creating a building.
i.e. pompidou center in Paris. Do you find this aesthetically pleasing? The objective of this building was not to look pretty but to provide a certain function and display the "truth" and inner-workings of how the building acts.
@DN Clark: I have to admit I am quite confused by what you are trying to say. You seem to be saying that as far as form following function the design does not reflect any "muslim" influence. I disagree. The web-like structure is reminiscent of mosaic tile patterns used in much moslem architecture. Also the web coalescing into stronger highlighted areas could be pointing to the different religious groups coming together to form a whole unified against intolerance which is the stated goal of the project. There is a certain movement to it which while very complex is still very appealing to the eye.
Maybe we should start calling it Park 51, instead of the NYC Islamic Center. After all, that is what it's calling itself.
Park51 is the name of the firm that is drafting the project, not the project itself.
Anne.. you best read that again.. the name of the project is Park51 Community Center.. the architect firm is SOMA Architects...
back to elementary school might do you some good.
Hey they said a rec center is in it dont knock it cause its muslim dont let the actions of some influence your mind on all! And 100 million is nothing look at how much money is spent on reality shows and other dumb excuses for entertainment this will be a useful place for many people
I am SURE that no tax payer dollars were in any least way used in any aspect of this, otherwise the ACLU would be in the courts with "Separation of Church and state" arguments,.....RRRIIIIIGGGGHHHHHTTT, About that, uh... yeah
So you have no evidence to support your suggestion that the mosque is being funded by taxpayer money and then you attack the ACLU for not attacking your purely imaginary suggestion? That makes no sense at all.
You are mixing up your ignorant hate rhetoric. No one said being a t bagger was easy.
As a resident and business owner here in NYC. I will boycott any and all businesses involved in building this. This is a pure insult to anyone who lost a loved one on 9/11 and to the city of New York.
And the strip clubs closer to Ground Zero and the street vendors selling cheap plastic WTC keychains AREN'T disrespectful?
Well, that's your right, but it's being built for Americans that happen to be Muslim. And no law abiding American deserves to feel unwelcome in his or her own country no matter how close it is to this place or that place.
not to mention people selling reprinted copies of 911 pictures. the center is open to ANYONE not just muslims
Geoff, you are a complete idiot. The Center is going to be beautiful and it is going to serve many. You should honor those lost in 9/11 by supporting this center and doing whatever you can to promote it as a place of understanding and peace
You'll have to boycott Fox News then...
Kudos to you Geoff. As much as it is apparently a special interest group's right to try to jam this thing down our throats, it is your right to protest it. Give 'em hell, who knows, maybe eventually they'll get the message.
Does that include the muslim americans who died there as well in WTC in addition to the Pentagon or did you miss those facts as well professor ?
Going on your logic, shouldn't the people of Oklahoma City not do business with companies that build anything for Christians?
Weren't the bombers there Christians?
My brother worked in the World Trade Center and he lost his job and many of his friends. I have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and have lost fellow comrads in arms. Both of us encourage the center because we know enemy is not Islam but extremist on BOTH sides.
thank you Geoff, thank you so much. I hope the rest of the business owners will follow your lead and if they have that low of morals to build, contact or sell to these morons, I hope they will be out of business from boycotts to their business's. I would LOVE it if someone would keep a list of the business' that work towards the building of this hate religion. Including whoever drafted the architecture for this godforsaken for starters.
Geoff: as an American, you certainly have a right to boycott anyone you wish. But a great many NY residents have come out in favor of this educational center. So your boycott may not have the strength you desire...
I think Brandon's comment is also well asked: you don't seem to be upset at the strip clubs nearby, nor the adult bookstores. Are you saying you approve of them, but not this? Be clear about your opinions!
u r so right muslim ppl blew up the twin towers n now they r buildin a mosque there?? is tht a joke? Why are muslim people being "rewarded" for blowin up the twin towers?? They blow up twin towers and in return get a mosque built next to ground zero?? tht is total BS!
Al hatf ur so right hahahah
There are tons of moderate Iranian Muslims who support this project. I myself am one. No, I have no affiliation with terrorist organizations and have been raised in Canada since the age of 5. It's very upsetting to see Iranians who have turned against believing and now have nothing better to do than spread their hatred for another's faith. God Bless you all and I hope that those who have lost God may be reunited someday in the near future. And to those who do not support this project, remember, if anything this mosque will further stop extremists from both ends. It is an act of peace, not hate, not separation, but unification of all peoples of all faiths and all nations.
UNIFICATION OF ALL PEOPLE AND FAITHS!!??? ARE YOU KIDDING? THEY ARE BUILDING A MOSQUE NEXT TO GROUND ZERO WHERE MUSLIMS BLEW THE TWIN TOWERS UP!! THIS IS AN INSULT TO THE FAMILIES OF THE PEOPLE THAT DIED IN THE WORLD TRADE CENTER ON 9/11
I agree 100%
To idiot Corey who says "Well, that's your right, but it's being built for Americans that happen to be Muslim". The big problem is that this property was bought after the 9/11 incident – there was no intent to build a mosque near that place before 9/11. #1 They want to make a bold statement. They try to make it sound as if it is about religion and it's being built for Americans that happen to be Muslim. They pretend that when they came up with the idea, it was fully as a peaceful gesture to America but they had to know right from the start that this would make very many in the country and especially of those who were close to the 9/11 tradegy very upset! And from the news of what Imam has said in the past they should be upset.
This was never an act of peace.
David Clayton, so sorry for your loses and thank you for your service. Wish I had words that could express my feelings or that could remove some of your pain.
Geoff – as a resident and consumer in NYC, please let me know what your business is so I be sure to boycott you as I boycott all other known racists.
I hereby make a call to boycott any and all liberal owned businesses for their un-American support of this insensitive Mosque. I also make a call to boycott any and all Muslim owned businesses, either covert away from Islam or leave.
the problem is extremist on both sides. There are the islamic extremist who commit acts of terrorism and there are ignorant people in the US who think that these extremist represent all muslims. It's not like they're building a shrine to Al-Qaeda or a shrine to the terrorist who committed the acts on 9/11. This is a muslim community center that has nothing to do with terrorism.
Did Oklahoma City ban the construction of Christian churches after Timothy McVeigh blew up the Federal Building? He was Christian after all. The World Trade Center was attacked by fanatics, not an entire religion. Chances are a religion with more than a billion members might have a few bad apples in it. I'm sure the Spanish Inquisition was just a little party that got out of hand by a few misunderstood priests in your opinion. What religion was that again? I'm pretty sure they weren't Muslim.
Drop your bigotry and try to accept that people are people who don't always agree. It's what keeps family holiday gatherings interesting.
Just think, once the building is complete, you can always go in there and protest by peeing on some rugs if that'll make you feel better. I'm sure they'll be far more forgiving than you are right now.
Good for you Geoff. They do not want your participation or business anyway. They rather not do business with bigots. There are plenty of other useful people willing to help build and participate. Please stay out of the area as there amy be a lot of Muslims on the block.
That is the same blind, deliberate ignorance used to get people to fly the planes into the buildinsg in the first place. You racist rednecks, "outraged" by this are no different and no less guilty. There was a mosque inside thetsrade center tower and not one of you sheep had a problem with that after teh first attack because fox news had not told you to be affraid because it did not serve thier agenda at the time.
As if business is any good in Manhattan. I, as a business owner in Manhattan, am quite happy about 2 facts:
1. Muslims visiting mosque will bring some good business.
2. You will stop selling and go out of business, means MORE business....
Now dont you dare go back on your word!
i heard they are gonna marry gays and do free abortions there
Indeed, among the many victims of 9/11 were several dozen innocent Muslims, ranging in age from their late 60s to a couple’s unborn child. Six of these victims were Muslim women, including one who was 7 months pregnant. Many were stockbrokers or restaurant workers, earning a living to care for their families. There were converts and immigrants, hailing from over a dozen different countries and the U.S. There were heroes: a NYPD cadet and a Marriott hotel worker, who sacrificed their lives attempting to rescue others. The Muslim victims were parents to over 30 children, who were left orphaned without one or both of their parents.
Considering you are brave enough to sit behind an avatar and claim your patriotism and nationalism can I have the name of your business so that I may forward it to those that may wish to enact a similar response in light of your blatant ignorance?
I'm guess you don't have THAT much pride though...
It's a shame to see so many people on the wrong side of this issue. To begin with, the terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks happened to be Muslims. To toss all Muslims in the same batch is both illogical and ignorant. Second, this won't be the only mosque in close proximity of ground zero, or perhaps you'd prefer another OTB shop or strip club?
Go ahead with your boycott. You'll only be hurting more Americans.
Hey can I build a Christian Center in Tehran?
Why, do you live there?
you can try but i m sure it wouldnt be easy because in tehran they dont have as much religious freedom as we do in our country
Probably not. I'm fairly certain freedom of religion is not something enjoyed in Iran. But that's what makes us better than them. Do you want us to lower ourselves to their level?
Do you have 100 mill to invest?
not at all. i was just giving a simple answer to the simple question this person proposed lol
Actually, yes – there are churches in Iran and always have been just as there are churches throughout the Arab nations. There are over 70 churches in Iran and about 300,000 Christians. It is only Saudi Arabia that does not allow churches.
Really, why don't you go Tehran and apply for a building permit? According to Internet information these are the religions represented with places of worship in Tehran: Sunni Islam, Zoroastrianism, Bahá'í Faith, Judaism, and Christianity (including the adherents of the Assyrian Church of the East, Armenian Apostolic Church, Roman Catholic Church, Chaldean Catholic Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Iranian Protestant churches, Kelisa-ye Khanegi-ye Iraniyan, Armenian Evangelical Church, Jama'at-e Rabbani (Assemblies of God), Armenian Brotherhood Church, Russian Orthodox Church, and the Presbyterian Church). Despite being the seat of a theological government and the fact that most important religious unions and academies of the country are based in Tehran, half of the city (northern area) remains the most liberal in the nation.
You would need a miracle to make that happen.
Are you suggesting Tehran has a civil, political and religious climate we should emulate?
To maryrm – you are sooo stupied. You make it sound as if Iran respects people of other rellgions. Three of our family friends, Christian off course, were murded and police is not investingating their murders at all. People of Bahá'í faith are always imprisoned without charges. Few were murded. Sooo, a big THANK YOU to IRAN for allowing people of other religions freedom to practice their religion.
No, you can't build a Church in Tehran like you can build a Mosque in NYC. Tehran does not promote itself as a beacon of freedom where people from all religions and nations can come to be free to practice their religion.
I wonder where they got the money at?
where is Bushy when we need him LOL
why do u need a christian center in tehran? if u want to worship God, there are lots and lots of mosques in Tehran. They all worship the same God as you. don't waste money, send the money to someplace Africa where they do not even have food to eat.
Since there are over 600 Christian churches in Iran, it would seem that a Christian Center would be allowed.
Sure, why not. They Synagogues there for the small group of jews living there.
dd214: I'm all for it. Go ask the government of Iran if they would allow it. If they say yes, go for it. The christian population of Iran is small, but not non-existent - I'd bet they would benefit.
Seriously, are you trying to imply that the United States is a christian nation, so it should disallow other religions from building houses of worship? I am disappointed in you.
No and there are zero churches-synagogues-buddist temples in Mecca
there are already churches all over Iran.
Yeah Lindy, there are also no Mosques in Vatican City. Either way it's a flawed analogy; this is America, if you don't like Muslims or mosques then tough s***, this country has freedom of religion. As an Atheist I believe in our laws and the rights of people to practice their religion no matter how the mob feels.
WELL PUT, Ryan!!!
Yeah, but they would just blow it up along with all the innocent women and children who would be worshipping there.
sure, it's one of the 4 recognized and practiced religions in the state and has official protection.
Probably not, and that's the point. Freedom to practice your religion is one of the things that makes us who we are.
After reading this comment I checked to be sure. There are churches in Tehran. Google it.
Really dd? That's how low you want to set the bar for the US? That we should only be as good as Tehran?
You probably can't build a Christian center in Tehran, but then again, that's what separates America from other countries. Besides, it looks like it's going to be an impressive looking building. A far cry from the heap that's there now. Personally, I wouldn't care if it was a temple to Hanuman the Monkey God. If it improves the cityscape and gives people something to talk about, more power to 'em. Out of curiosity, has anyone started raising money for the monkey temple yet? That would be AWESOME!!!
I believe they already have some churches in various cities in Iran.
I think they would be OK with that. They seem like very nice people
St. George's Cathedral
Reverend Father Yousef Rashidi
Reverend Father Ashur Tamraz
No. 65 Sa'ed Agha Balazadeh St.
South Karagar Avenue
Tehran 13337 IRAN
St. Mary's Cathedral
V. Rev. Cor-bishop Domara Benjamin
No. 121 Babakhanloo Brothers Avenue
Sepah Square – Tehran
IRAN
St. Mary's Church
Very Rev. Archdeacon Aprim Mar Younan
Reverend Father Daryavosh Azizian
No. 37 South Qodus Avenue
Urmia – W. Azarbaijan
IRAN
Just a few of many.....
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Yet another interesting point. Why don't some of you folks quit being so Christian and try being more Christ-like. You will be the first to burn as you are the pinnacle of sin and corruption. You claim your faith with a weight of arrogance and follow it's teachings as if it were a cafeteria menu.
And for you folks asking if we can build a church in Tehran. Do some digging in your 5th grade history books and let me know how many countries were forced to not only let us build but fully convert under the sword or threat of torture. I think you have had your share of "spreading the love" on this rock.
Are you really this ignorant or is it just that convenient?
No, you can't build a church in Iran, but, that's why we are better than Iran, dip*$%t!
I believe that Tehran already has more than one church
$100 million. Think of how useful that could be if spent for educational or recreational center.
It IS an educational and recreational center.
it is going to be recreational center as well. lol just read about the project
Can you not read? It says classrooms, gym and swimming pool. What are you crazy?
Yahoo: are you trying to be funny? It is a recreational/educational facility. The part with the mosque in it is a very small fraction of the whole. It is designed to help those in Lower Manhattan have a place for education, recreation, and arts, as well as a center for legal help and victim relief, especially for immigrants.
you all got trolled.
Just the same as all the money we waste on NASA could be spent to feed and clothe the poor. So your point is...?
@WM84–The money spent on NASA is not wasted. Do you know how Cell phones, GPS systems... work? Idiot
actually there are no churches and synagogues or any other religious sturcture in mecca and medina as the population within these areas are 100% muslims, literally non muslims arent allowed as all acts such as killing etc is against is islam in these areas, and to do one of these acts mainly means one way ticket to hell, so to keep it that way no non-muslims are allowed.
Reply to adsfd: "actually there are no churches and synagogues or any other religious sturcture in mecca and medina as the population within these areas are 100% muslims, literally non muslims arent allowed as all acts such as killing etc is against is islam in these areas, and to do one of these acts mainly means one way ticket to hell, so to keep it that way no non-muslims are allowed."
And yet we (America) support the Saudi ruling family that is in power. We (America) do not want anyone else in power or for a democracy to be there either.
I believe it would be the most useful we build the world's largest restroom there. Everyone will enjoy using it.
I even have a design of Drive-Through Restroom.
Yep, it will be an educational center. Bomb making 101, Infidel beheading for beginners, stoning for dummies
How come there are swimming pools inside the center? Islam doesnt allow to wear skimpy clothes ..... are woman gonna swim in htier hijab ? are men gonna swim in their traditional attire...i highly doubt it
LOL
Nice!
Bob: are you a troll, or are you just being a jerk?
My FIRST thought was of teen boys on the ground floor looking up on women walking on the second floor...
OK, that was actually my SECOND thought, my first thought was UGLY inside, very nice outside...
My third thought was that THAT type of construction would be an absolute nightmare if there was even a minor fire in the building! The escalators would funnel smoke upstairs and the floors would become a deadly hazard to those below when they became heated...
It's beautiful. Could I use it I wondered? I mean I'm not muslim and am also a woman. Saw child care, and at risk youth services, and domestic violence services. I've used jewish community service centers (not jewish) with no problems. Many religious faiths offer services to the community they live in. Many christian centers and churches extend help to the community at large no matter the faith. My take is that there are many muslims who want to do the same and do and not want to be colored by the few who hate us. Hope it heals and builds bridges.
but why THERE of all places???
The white cut-out design of the architecture reminded me of that used in the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, which I visited last spring. Beautiful, simple–yet dynamic. To all Americans: empty your heartsof hate and fill them with brotherly love. Our time on earth is short, so let our thoughts and words add all the loveliness and joy we can each day. Kahlil Gibran wrote: "Tolerance is love, sick with the sickness of haughtiness." Let's try to lift ourselves from tolerance to full brotherly love.
Looks a lot like white castle.
This is better than Oprah! lol
"My third thought was that THAT type of construction would be an absolute nightmare if there was even a minor fire in the building! The escalators would funnel smoke upstairs and the floors would become a deadly hazard to those below when they became heated..."
Yes... I hear smoke has a very hard time rising without escalators....
cristal, why not there. They have been praying there for two years now. This is not a brand new purchase. IT IS NOT AT GROUND ZERO!!! It is two blocks away in a location where there are many empty buildings. Why not???
Thoughts of the Star of Davids on the facade of the building?
Seriously, People need to remember what our founding fathers came here for....to get away from religious persecution. yes what happened on 9/11 was horrible and tragic, but are we as people of the US going to discriminate and persecute those religions from other cultures? I'd rather a Mosque that is working on helping the surrounding community than another empty business building with a "For Lease" sign up....but who am I? I'm just a US Citizen....my opinion doesn't matter nowadays.
i don't see how it's disrespectful to 9/11. What if a people did the same act on 9/11 in the name of some other religion? Does that mean that particular religion condones their actions? People are mistaking terrorists who committed those acts on 9/11 with Muslims.
My question is: will this site not be a place of protests and violence for a long time to come? This is not promoting peace and freedom of religion. It is propaganda and will only attract violence and unfortunately the people who attend this mosque will be harassed. This is supposed to be a place of peace and worship not media attention and politics.
I meant "what if people", not "what if a people"
As somebody from New York who lives and teaches in the Middle East...do you realize you are perpetuating the anti-American sentiment abroad by making extremely ignorant statements about both Islam, Muslims, and the proposed Islamic center in NY? Blaming all Muslims for 9/11 is like blaming all Christians for the Crusades. Religious extremism is a fad, and we Christians had several centuries of it. I've only been greeted with warm welcomes in Muslim countries and the occasional intellectual discussion on how there are people claiming to represent our values whom we wish would just stop talking because it makes the rest of us look bad.
youtube.com/watch?v=ZHdMlT3E7cg
To American in the Middle East, I'm not buying it. I've seen the way they castrate their little girls, brutally, with no mercy. I've seen the way they control and kill women. I've seen the tears when someone wearing the full black sits and watches while their husbands and kids play in the surf – knowing that they will never enjoy even that simple pleasure. If you really do teach in the middle east, which I really doubt (they hate schools there) then you are the rarity. The Army built schools for the kids in these villages, and while there may be some boy student learning Islamic approved subjects, you will be hard pressed to find girls in these classes – and none after a certain age. There is racism and hatred, but it's theirs.
it may well be, but who's fault would that be? Should they not build a community center and have freedom of religion because of ignorance and hate?
The anti-American sentiments means that he Islamic leaders in these countries hear that their proposal for a war monument is denied or being obstructed – and they riot in the streets, kill non-muslims in protest, and attack US troops, burn flags, and burn people in effigy. They destroy buildings, and generally vent their rage at being told no on everyone around them. They can't wait to kill Americans if they are denied their victory dance. Islam is silent unless opposed – but if you oppose or insult them, you will pay with your life, it is the way of their religion everywhere with every mussleman.
that was a response to Unsure Reader. sorry there seems to be a delay in the postings
I wonder if the drawings have air traffic in the background, if so how close are those planes flying?
No union steelworker in NYC will touch this building. Whos gonna build it?
IT really does not matter where they build their shrine to 911, eventually they will learn to Intergrate & stop their stupid radicals or their own well being will be threatened as is NOW happening in Europe, Europeans are TIRED of the Muslim violance in the name of Politics not religion
Why am I seeing a building that looks like the towers and at the top of the escalator to the right on the floor, you have
what resembles the star of david on the floor that you would walk on. also on the facade you have the common muslim symbol,
that seems to encircle the star of david.
I learned a long time ago that when you have to justify that you are not what you seem you usually are what you seem. These people talk about the freedom of religion and that this is right because it is right for everybody. There is to much I like you why don't you like me speeches. They want to try and say American and muslim in the same sentence and it just won't come out. One man was able to truly speak the truth and he paid with his life but he did speak the truth and there was no admendment to protect his right. We need to understand our fundamental instincts and see that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it is a duck. The fool on the hill no matter what he says is still the fool on the hill. Don't forget that america was founded on religious persecution by the church and the state. I think we can see this coming a mile away.
Nice building! Too bad it's for a religious function.
I sooo want to see this!
Where are the basketball courts? I thought it was going to be like the Y?
# and they continue the perversion!!
from 72 virgins after death, to marrying 5 year olds, to intercourse with 8 year olds.
And now this, glass floors made just to look up womens skirts.
It's BEAUTIFUL!!!!
I do not agree with the build of this and outraged where they want to build it .AND have we all forgotten I sure have not nor will I ever I dont care what anyone says or what thery are trying to sell us on I am not buying it and will never be for it look at the photos closely what more do I need to say! WAKE UP AMERICA! SAY NO!
@Matthew Wow, that has got to be one of the most ignorant and bigoted posts I have ever read. Knowing that you have never been anywhere near the Middle-East, how do you claim to know so much about the people and their actions? Personally, I am half-Iranian, and was thus able to travel there two summers ago during the previous elections. All of the people who I met were kind and peaceful, and nothing like the images you paint of all Muslim people. They had no problems with Americans, it is mainly their government that hates us. Hell, most of them hate their government, and thus why we saw the riots after the previous elections, they were ready for change. Yes there are extremists in the Middle-East, and yes there are some riots that occur. But it is bigots like you that paint America as an ignorant and intolerant nation, and make us all look bad. I am a Christian, and it is pretty disappointing to see hypocrites that spew idiotic hate-filled rhetoric and call themselves Christians.
i say these churches and mosque all spend way to much money on their buildings! jesus wore sandals and rags with no place to call a home,to lay his head...he slep on the ground many nights...i see the leaders of these fancy churches not looking at building a simple place to worship and helping the poor as jesus said to do...they do the opposite,muslim and christians...they should evaluate what god was meaning...it's not about a fancy building,it's not about spilling blood over isreal ,a regular peace of land,it's about clean worship and your relationship with god..these people are hypocrits..this building looks like a brain washing building,freaky huh..
Does anyone else see the highlly stylized Shield of Abraham/David's Star in the design motif?....I think they really get it, and it would be great to have a bookstore selling islamic literature without the occidental bias; for more about the Star check out 'the secret of min' at apageinthelife
They are not going to get off that easy... Looks like crap
The architecture is beautiful & doesn't look anything like a religious center.
My only beef with it is the fact that the arch style is an exact ripoff of the Mikimoto building in Ginza, Tokyo. I guess NYC is seeing a lot of Asian-inspiried designs these days : /
Just a thought but with all of the issues about this center why not make it a center for all religions so as to educate and promote peace and understanding between all religions? Make it into a place to heal the rifts instead of creating more.
i AM completely against this type of constructio in New York, where the terrible tragedy of so many lives being lost by the act on sept. 11, 2001. Only in America could something like this occur. Maybe we want our enemy closest to us? I really think it is very inappropriate and sets the stage for some unprecedented scenes in the future on an anniversary of the tragic day. Let's go to Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq and propose a memorial for our lost civilians of the 9/11 attack by terrorists or unknown power, as Iran's president would have everybody believe. In a word, ridiculous
Ask Muslim Imam if he would let create a christian religious center in mecca or near mecca. We dont need a religious center, better sell it to some corporation that would created some 200 jobs in that building. Faith and religious beliefs dont feed the hungry. Jobs do. NY manhattan is not the place for islamic center, and why not use all that money to upbring poor in muslim countries.
Yes, only in America could this occur, and THAT is PRECISELY what's good about us. This country was founded on the very ideas of religious and cultural tolerance, and on the occasion that we actually display these ideals, even amidst the narrow-minded, angry, and fearful cries of a bigoted minority, we should be proud of it.
This building is not being built by the extremists who murdered New Yorkers on 9/11. It's being built by New Yorkers themselves, and anyone who's ever been to NY can tell you that New Yorkers are people of all races, religions, and cultures, all of whom lost friends and family that day.
This has nothing to do with hate, it's not about hate at all. It's about the Islamic ideology, which is clearly laid out in the Quaran and includes deceit in order to accomplish their purpose. Convert or be killed is what it says. There is no room for other religions. The only peace comes with conversion to Islam according to the Quran, otherwise you die. Do you want that kind of peace or a monument raised to say to the world, WE HAVE CONQUERED. Those THOUSANDS of deaths were caused not by radicals, but those adhering to the ideology of Islam. The plan is to conquer and take the land from within. Any means is acceptable. The later writings in the Quaran trump anything written earlier, according to the one man who wrote it.
DD says, "It's beautiful. Could I use it I wonder. I'm not a muslim," and then at the end she says," the few who hate US."
We are a county build on the ideas of freedom. Freedom to live, to worship, to speak, etc., This freedom comes with responsibility. The responsibility not to harm, but to respect, and this respect you honor the position of those whose intents are just. AMERICAS' intentions are just (while not always culturally correct) and therefore, an indirect symbolization of hate masked as a symbol of peace is unacceptable. That is, we could not put a picture of Lincoln, JFK. or King on the side of a mountain in a muslim country. pamziondaughter@yahoo.com
Maybe one of their peace loving Islamic buddies will fly a 747 into it or leave a car bomb outside. Sorry all they just don't hold no weight in m books.
I think the architecture is beautiful and considering the types of businesses in the same general area, maybe it will cause a rebirth to that entire section of the city.
One other though, which has already been raised so I'm simply adding my voice. . .exactly how far from "Ground Zero" do you have to be before you're not "at" or "on" Ground Zero"? If you didn't watch TV and only went by the voices raised in protest over the Islamic Center, you'd have to assume that rather than building the proposed monument that they were going to build the Center right smack in the center of ground zero. My guess is that those who are so vehemently opposed to the Center would be upset no matter where they built it in the city. They'd just as soon see it built in Jersey as anywhere, lol.
I understand the sentiment and reverence that folks hold for the area where the twin towers once stood and rightly so, I would feel the same way. . .but the Islamic Center is not "on" or "at" Ground Zero. . .it's two blocks away, so get over it, understand that despite what was inferred on the "View" the other day. . .all Muslims are not to be blamed for the action of the radicals in their midst. The majority should not be castigated for the ignorance and hatred and violence displayed by the few.