Welcome to the Islamic and Cultural Center “Bošnjak” (Bosniak) of Des Moines, a beacon of faith and cultural heritage that has served the Bosnian community and local Muslims since its establishment in November 2004. Our center was born from the vision of Elvedin Sivac, who, like many Bosnians, sought refuge and solace in America during the 1990s. Settling in Des Moines after leaving a war-torn Yugoslavia, Sivac and his wife sought to reconnect Bosnian refugees with their cultural and religious roots. This mission led to the creation of our center under the Islamic Community of Bosniaks in North America (ICNAB).
Our story is one of growth and perseverance. In 2005, we welcomed Hafiz Nermin ef. Spahić as our permanent Imam, marking the beginning of our expansion in spiritual guidance, education, and communal support. With the establishment of the Qur’an School, Hifz Program, and a choir section, we’ve created an environment that nurtures Islamic teachings and maintains our identity as Bosnian Muslims. We also offer educational opportunities that cater to all ages within our congregation. Our dynamic space has become a hub for Islamic holidays, special nights, and fostering friendships.
The journey led us to a historic achievement in 2009 when we acquired approximately 30 acres of land, laying the groundwork for our community’s future. This land now houses the first Muslim cemetery in Des Moines, a funeral home, and the Bosnjak Es-Salem Mosque—the first purpose-built mosque in the region. Completed with authentic gravestones imported from Bosnia and Herzegovina, our facilities offer a respectful resting place for Muslims in the area.
Our community’s aspirations culminated in the construction of the Bosnjak Es-Salem Mosque, valued at over $6,000,000 at the time. This monumental project includes not only a sacred place of worship but also plans for a children’s playground, a soccer stadium, and Martyr’s Alley, commemorating the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. The mosque’s design, a collaborative effort between our community and Neumann Monson Architects, is a harmonious blend of traditional Islamic architecture and modern Iowan style. The mosque features a striking 130-foot-tall minaret, crafted by master craftsman Safet Taboković, and a master plan that envisions future development, including a community center and housing.
Every element of the mosque’s design holds significance—from the five spaces between columns representing the five daily prayers to the hexagonal dome pattern that nods to the bee colonies on-site. Community members themselves laid the concrete walls, strengthening our connection to this sacred space. The minaret, used for daily calls to prayer, stands tall, symbolizing our unity and devotion.
The Islamic and Cultural Center “Bošnjak” of Des Moines now stands proudly in the heartland of America, a testament to the resilience of the Bosnian community. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to broadening our educational and cultural offerings, ensuring that nearly three decades after many Bosnians fled their homeland, they have established a permanent and flourishing home in the United States.
Our mission is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and spiritually nurturing space for the Bosnian Muslim community, as well as all who wish to join. We aim to foster a strong sense of unity, identity, and cultural preservation while embracing the rich diversity of our members and the broader community. We are deeply grateful for the opportunities and support the United States has provided to our community following the Bosnian genocide, and we are committed to contributing positively to our adopted country.
Guided by the teachings of Islam and the values of compassion, understanding, and respect, we are committed to:
Through these efforts, we envision our community center and mosque as a beacon of light, hope, harmony, and a shining example of Islam for our community, those surrounding us, and all who seek to share in its spirit of unity and peace.
Membership Portal – DzematX.com
Our community uses DzematX to maintain all membership/donation records. You are able to access your payment history and other details directly on this site using the email address associated to your account.
If you are unable to register, please contact [email protected].
