DEARBORN — Local artist Haroutioun “Harout” Isack Bastajian was recently recognized during the Islamic Center of America’s (ICA) 61st anniversary Semi-Annual Fundraising Dinner.

The Lebanese artist of Armenian origin who decorated the interior of the ICA prayer room was honored at the event that brought more than 1,000 members of the Muslim community together with special senatorial recognition for his “outstanding contribution to the promotion of Islamic culture through his art” on behalf of U.S. Senator Gary Peters. 

A portable mihrab created by Bastajian was also put up for auction to help raise funds for the ICA.

A portable mihrab created by Bastajian

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much to all who were part of the memorable event,” Dr. Farid Nasser, chairman of the ICA, said in a press release. “It was lovely seeing many familiar faces and meeting new friends. We were honored to have a full house of more than 1,000 guests from near and far coming together to celebrate the Islamic Center of America and our community. We are forever grateful for the generosity of our community — it never fails to amaze us.”

Throughout his studies and experience, Bastajian became an expert in Oriental art and was nicknamed the “Michelangelo of Mosques” by completing 42 domes and half domes of different sizes and shapes in churches, mosques, palaces and more across the globe.

This is the first time, however, that he has been recognized in the U.S. for his artwork.

“I come from the Middle East,” he said. “I’ve completed landmark projects there. I have rarely been recognized for my art there. It is truly an honor to be recognized for my work here in the U.S. and I am very appreciative to have that bestowed upon the work I do. I am very very passionate about my work and I am thankful for this opportunity given the immense positive impact on the individual, the community and the country.”

Bastajian studied at the International Institute in Lebanon for a degree in interior design, Notre Dame University in Lebanon for interior design and the Lebanese American University in Lebanon, studying Islamic Art.

“As the traditional part of my career, I’m involved in several spiritual and secular landmark projects,” he said. “I was also excited to conduct an art workshop at the University of Michigan two months ago. It was amazing to help inspire the young generation using my techniques in creating their own artwork. Many of these students will be helping me in upcoming projects, leading, I hope, towards a first step toward a future career in art design.”

The Islamic Center of America Mosque

Bastajian was born and raised in Lebanon and said that he suffered a lot with the civil war. His life experiences continue to inspire his artwork even to this day.

“Art starts with brainstorming, vague ideas, sketches, samples and execution on a large scale,” he said. “It’s inspiring to go through the process and see the seeds grow into a huge mural that will be appreciated for centuries. My inspiration comes from my life’s experience with amazing and culturally and spiritually diverse communities.”

Having come back to Dearborn almost two years ago, Bastajian said that he is grateful to be a part of the community.

“It’s been almost two years since my family of six escaped the chaos in Lebanon and moved to Michigan,” he said. “We are grateful to the community here and the United States of America for giving us this amazing opportunity. My family and I are blessed and committed to work hard and continue to be a part of this great society in the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

More of Bastajian’s work can be seen on his Instagram and he is open to new projects. He can be reached at haroutbast@gmail.com or by calling 313-414-8767.