Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier, cultivated connections in the Middle East and amassed rare Islamic artefacts for a distinctive building on his private island, Little Saint James. According to documents released by the US Justice Department, Epstein focused on Islamic art and architecture, acquiring significant items such as tapestries from the Kaaba in Mecca and tiles from Uzbekistan. The building, which Epstein referred to as a 'mosque,' was designed as an architectural project rather than a place of worship. Epstein's interest in Islamic design is evident in his requests for authentic materials and traditional patterns. However, the structure suffered damage during Hurricane Maria in 2017, and Epstein's relationships with international contacts declined amid political changes in Saudi Arabia. He was arrested in 2019 on sex trafficking charges and later died in custody, with ownership of the island transferred to a private trust shortly after his arrest.