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Hundreds celebrate Mile High Islamic Center’s grand opening
4-03-2018
Hundreds of members of the Muslim Bosnian community in Colorado gathered Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of the Mile High Islamic Center — a project seven years in the making.
The mosque at 3550 Sheridan Blvd. provided a backdrop for giggling children chasing each other as their traditional clothing billowed behind them and proud community members who were thrilled to see their years of hard work come to fruition.
The Muslim Bosnian community in Colorado is about 275 families strong, according to the center’s news release.
Ademir Ceric, president of the mosque’s board, said he wants the center to be an educational tool to teach those who are interested in learning more about Islam.
“We will explain how peaceful we are,” Ceric said. “We welcome anybody here that would like to learn.”
The building’s entryway features an area for people to wash their feet after kicking off their shoes, followed by a spacious room adorned with lavish chandeliers. The downstairs houses a kitchen and dining area where the center plans to hold dinners.
Minela Ibisevic is on the mosque’s board and works as a youth leader at the mosque.
“We have a lot of young kids who were born and raised here in Colorado, and we’ve put together a Sunday school where they can come and learn about their culture and see where their parents came from,” Ibisevic said.
Binet Alagic, another board member, said the mosque was more like a home.
“It is a place for us to find peace and serenity,” Alagic said. “It is a safe haven.”
Members of Bosnian mosques from across the country and Canada were expected to turn up Saturday to be together in prayer, scheduled speeches, a ribbon cutting ceremony and free refreshments and food.
Ceric beamed at the large turnout before heading up on stage to address the crowd.
“We love this country,” Ceric said. “That’s why we came here. To have freedom to express our religion and help our community as neighbors.”
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