Ramadan 1999

December 3, 1999

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

On December 3, 1999, The Columbus Dispatch reported that there is a new Islamic Center in Columbus to serve Muslims in central Ohio, where there are an estimated 15,000 Muslims, including about 7,000 Somalis. Ramadan celebrations will be the first major events held in the new Islamic Center, which will include an open house to bring Muslims and non-Muslims together to ask questions about the new center. Community concerns were raised in the planning stages of the center over parking and increased traffic. The Maize-Morse Tri-Area Civic Association is satisfied with the current structure and it won't be a problem as long as a school is not built on the site. The Islamic Foundation bought the 5-acre, $300,000 site last October to serve the growing Islamic community in central Ohio. There is already three classrooms, a kitchen, and a prayer center. There are plans to construct a multipurpose building on the site for recreational programs and other activities.