While other parts of the nation have been polarized by the spread of Muslim groups and worship centers, Utica, it seems, has embraced its growing Islamic community.
Evidence of the community’s degree of acceptance could be seen in the almost 200 residents who came Monday night to the newly renovated Court Street mosque – formerly a Methodist church — during a Utica Monday Nite tour hosted by the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica.
The tour came on the eve of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started Tuesday evening, and also amid national debate about plans for a community center and mosque a few blocks from the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in lower Manhattan.
Inquisitive visitors removed their shoes before entering the newly renovated, high-ceilinged, plush carpeted worship area that once was lined with pews.



By PETER APPLEBOME
By WKTV News
By CASSAUNDRA BABER