From Mecca to Manhattan: An Intro to Muslim New York

The history of Islam and Muslims on continental North America goes back nearly 500 years. This may come as a surprise to many due to the popular perception of Muslims in America as a recent immigrant community. This perception misses the Black and Indigenous Muslim experiences that have been central to the American story. In addition to that, American perceptions of Islam and Muslims, and American relationships with the Muslim-majority world, have long shaped domestic culture.

In this tour, we tell the story of Islam and Muslims in America dating back to the first Muslims to arrive here, both free and enslaved. Along the way, we visit the site that was home to "Anthony the Turk," the first free Muslim (and the first to own property) in the US; the former "Little Syria" colony; the 9/11 Memorial.

 We will learn about African freedom fighters in the 18th century, Ottoman diplomats in the 19th century, Arab merchants and Bengali dock workers in the 20th century, and new waves of Muslim immigrants in the 21st century. We end our tour in the present day, focusing on Black and immigrant Muslim communities and how they fare in New York in the present day.

Note: For private bookings, this tour can be tailored to your specific interests and needs, and can be combined with our "Ottoman New York," "Lowest West Side," "Little Syria," and "Policing Gotham," and "Wall Street from the Margins" tours (among others) based upon request.