ARABS OF CHICAGOLAND

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History of Arabs in Chicago
The Day a Sheikh Came to Chicago
May 3-4, 1976

By Ray Hanania

In May 1976, I was the publisher and main writer of a small English language newspaper called The Middle Eastern Voice newspaper. The newspaper was the first English language publication to focus on Chicago's Arab American community and it began publication in 1975 and continued through 1977. Among the many events I covered was the arrival in Chicago of the Sheik of al-Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates, Sultan Bin Mohammed al-Qasimi. Sheik al-Qasimi arrived to a boisterous welcome organized by the Arab American community in conjunction with the Bilalian Newspaper (Mohammed Speaks), the publication of the Black Muslims in Chicago.

The event was organized by two leaders of Chicago's Arab American community, Samir Hasan, who operated the "Export-Import Gift Shop" at 48th and Ashland Avenue in the early 1970s, and who also hosted the al-Salam Mosque which was located on the second floor of his business. It was also co-hosted by Yusef Diab, one of the elders of Chicago's Arab and Muslim community in Chicago.

Sheik al-Qasimi arrived at Butler Field on May 3, 1976 and was greeted by many dignitaries from the Arab and Muslim Community including Heavyweight Champion Mohammed Ali and by Wallace D. Muhammed of the Nation of Islam. The following day, May 4, 1976, the Arab and Muslim community hosted a reception for Sheik al-Qasimi.

This is a historic photo exhibit of the event. (All photographs copyright (C) 2004 Ray Hanania, all rights reserved. These photographs may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of Ray Hanania.)

al-Qasimi's plane arrives, May 3, 1976 at Butler Field.

al-Qasimi and entourage arriving at Butler Field.

Mohammed Ali awaiting to greet al-Qasimi. May 3, 1976. Butler Field, Chicago.

NOI Wallace D. Mohammed greeting al-Qasimi at Butler Field.

al-Qasimi at Butler Field.

al-Qasimi's limo arriving at 48th and Ashland Ave, and the al-Salam Mosque, located on the second floor of the Export-Import Gift Shop owned by Samir Hasan. (View of Ashland Avenue looking South.)

Samir Hasan's Export-Import Gift Shop at 48th and Ashland (east side of street). This photo was taken in July 1977 but shows a typical afternoon and the "Souq-like" atmosphere that this shop and many other Arab American owned stores offered customers.

al-Qasimi being greeted as his enters the Export-Import Gift Shop/al-Salam Mosque building at 48th and Ashland Avenue. May 3, 1976.

Arab American leader Yusef Diab (in jacket on left) next to al-Qasimi as he enters the Export-Import Gift Shop/al-Salam Mosque building. May 3, 1976.

Samir Hasan greeting al-Qasimi in front of the al-Salam Mosque.

Yusef Diab inside the al-Salam Mosque (2nd floor) managing the presentations of flowers and gifts from Arab American children and other dignitaries.

Inside the al-Salam Mosque on the second floor of the building at 48th and Ashland Ave. Samir Hasan, owner of Export-Import Gift Shop (1st floor) giving al-Qasimi a tour of the Mosque Prayer and meeting rooms.

 

(Ray Hanania is a Palestinian-American author. Reach him by e-mail at rayhanania@aol.com. He is the winner of the Society of Professional Journalists Lisagor Award for Column Writing. His columns are archived at www.hanania.com)