Exploring Michigan’s Arab American Cultures
Nearly 250,000 Muslims call Michigan home, and rich cultural traditions have emerged from various communities throughout the state. In fact, Michigan’s governor recently declared January as Muslim American Heritage Month. Dearborn, in particular, is the first Arab-majority city in the United States, and the Detroit enclave of Hamtramck was the first Muslim-majority city in the country. From the call to prayer echoing from local mosques to halal restaurants lining the streets, discover where you can learn more about Islamic culture from countries around the world.
The Islamic Center of America is the largest Shia mosque in North America — a standout piece of architecture in Dearborn adorned by twin minarets topped with crescent moons and a central dome that soars almost 60 feet high. A massive prayer hall and other spaces welcome visitors for Ramadan celebrations, community dinners, lectures, and workshops, as well as guided and self-guided tours of the mosque.
Other mosques around the state include the Michigan Community Mosque in Farmington Hills, the Kalamazoo Islamic Center and the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit, all of which invite guests to attend daily prayers, community programs and educational events.
Shop at the annual Michigan Ramadan Market and other local businesses this season.
Also in Dearborn is the Arab American National Museum, the first and only museum of its kind in the U.S. dedicated to the history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans. Explore vibrant art exhibitions, live performances and enriching lectures that highlight the intersection of Islamic and American cultures and offer into their history and contributions.
Islamic art and history are frequently celebrated in museums around Michigan. The Detroit Institute of Arts has a permanent exhibit hall and recently honored food culture in the Islamic world with a multisensory experience. The University of Michigan Museum of Art has an extensive collection of Middle Eastern art sourced from Syria, Iran, Iraq, North Africa, and Turkey, among other regions, and dating from as early as 1000 BCE to the 21st century.
Take a tour of Dearborn’s Arab American culinary hubs along Michigan Avenue and Warren Avenue with Yalla Eat! Hosted by the Arab American National Museum, these walking tours introduce you to family-run bakeries – which includes the famous Shatila Bakery – nut shops, produce markets and restaurants that honor traditions passed down from the old countries and reimagined right here in Michigan. Click here for a self-guided walking tour.
Celebrate Islamic traditions during Ramadan and beyond, and learn more about the contributions from Arab Americans who have shaped Michigan’s communities.