Syracuse Bosniaks Celebrate Grand Opening of Cultural Center

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Islamic Cultural Center of Bosniaks officially opened in Syracuse. This important event happened within Medžlis No. 3 of the Islamic Community of Bosniaks of North America. Thousands of believers from across the United States and Canada attended the ceremony.

Key religious leaders were present. These included Dr. Sabahudin-ef. Ćeman, Mufti of the Islamic Community of Bosniaks of North America. Also present was Dr. Nevzet-ef. Porić, Mufti and President of the Mešihat of the Islamic Community in Slovenia. He attended as a representative of Reisul-ulema Dr. Husein-ef. Kavazović. Many imams and community members from Bosniak communities in North America also came.

The program began with welcomes from Muris-ef. Neimarlija, Chief Imam of Medžlis No. 3, and Šaban-ef. Šljivar, Imam of the Syracuse community. They spoke about the center's importance. It will help preserve the religious and cultural identity of Bosniaks, especially for younger people. It will also strengthen community life.

Mufti Ćeman spoke about the deeper meaning of a mosque. He said it is not just for prayer, but for learning about unity and mutual responsibility. He stressed its role for children growing up far from their ancestors' homeland. He said the mosque should teach them who they are. He noted that the community built this mosque together.

Mufti Porić shared greetings from Reisul-ulema Kavazović. He said mosques are God's most beloved places. He emphasized that this mosque should be a place for prayer, gathering, and good deeds, not just a monument. He also highlighted the mosque's minaret in American society. He said it symbolizes freedom in the United States. Porić urged the community to make the mosque a home for knowledge and a refuge for families. He asked them to keep it alive through their presence and contributions.

The Islamic Cultural Center and mosque in Syracuse were declared a permanent endowment (waqf) of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Muamer Alić and his family, significant donors, formally opened the mosque. The event ended with an evening of spiritual music.

The Syracuse Bosniak community formed in 2004. Construction of the mosque began in 2017 and finished in 2026. The center is located on approximately 25 acres in eastern Syracuse. The community includes about 340 families. Many of them originate from the Podrinje region, including Bratunac and Srebrenica.