Factbox: New York's Islamic Centre

- 'Cordoba House' is a project being carried out by the Cordoba Initiative, whose aims are to 'cultivate multi-cultural and multi-faith understanding across minds and borders.'

- As part of the larger Park51 complex, Cordoba House will contain a 500-seat auditorium, a swimming pool, art exhibition spaces, bookstore and restaurant - as well as a 'meditation and prayer space.'

- Cordoba is a town in Southern Spain. In the Middle Ages, under Muslim rule, Christians, Jews and Muslims lived together, more or less in harmony.

- Led by Imam Feisal Addul Rauf, Cordoba House is the 'interfaith and religious component' of the larger Park51 Centre.

- Park51 is 'an independent project led by Muslim Americans for all New Yorkers.'