10 Great Historical Mosques in Cape Town South Africa

By Halal Trip | 03, Nov, 2016
10 Great Historical Mosques in Cape Town South Africa

These most prominent mosques in Cape Town have played a vital role in creating a more Muslim-friendly environment in South Africa. With some of the oldest masjids in Cape Town dating back to the 1800s, there is a historical significance of how early Muslim settlers created a community. So do pay a visit to some of these famous mosques in Cape Town. Listed below are a few popular mosques in Cape Town South Africa:

 

1. Auwal Mosque, 43 Dorp Street, Bo-Kaap

The Auwal Mosque is one of the most famous mosques in South Africa since it was the first mosque to be built in the country. Located in the Bo-Kaap district, the Auwal Mosque was built in 1794 on the land of Coridon Van Ceylon a freed slave, after his daughter inherited the land and donated the property. The Auwal Mosque is the oldest mosque in Cape Town and significant in the acceptance of Islam during a struggling era.

 

2. Palm Tree Mosque, 185 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre 

Palm Tree Mosque is one of the most popular mosques in Cape Town, South Africa including the second oldest mosque in the country. The original residence was built in 1788 and was later bought by freed slaves Jan Van Bougies and Frans Van Bengal who first established a mosque in the building in 1807. The building still stands today with some of the oldest mosques.

 

3. Habibia Soofie Saheb Masjid, 63 Flat Road, Rylands

This mosque was built in 1905 by its founder Hazrath Soofie Saheb and still is one of the most popular mosques in Cape Town, South Africa in the Rylands area. The mosque’s prominent minarets and central dome stand out in green and white, with gold and white lattice designs on the interior.

 

4. Masjid Boorhaanol Islam, 196 Longmarket Street, Bokaap

Masjid Boorhaanol is a famous masjid in Cape Town, South Africa, in the Bo-Kaap area. It is recognizable for its simple, beautiful bright green and white exterior. It was originally known as the Pilgrims Mosque and was first built in 1884 and renovated in the 1930’s. The name was changed in 1970 and it has been declared as a national monument.

 

5. Jumu'a Mosque of Cape Town, Greys Pass, Orange Street

The Jumu’a Mosque was founded in by Shaykh Dr. Abdalqadir as-Sufi in 2006. Though the mosque is quite young, it is one of the most popular mosques in Cape Town South Africa and holds several activities for the Muslim community.

 

6. Zeenatul Islam Masjid, Chapel Street (Known as Muir Street Mosque Cape Town)

One of the most popular mosques in Cape Town South Africa also known as the Muir Street Mosque, was built in 1923. It is one of the largest mosques in Cape Town and is hosts an array of cultural activities.

 

7. Nurul Islam Mosque, 134 Buitengracht St, Cape Town City Centre

The Nurul Islam Mosque, Cape Town, is the third oldest mosque that was founded by Imam Abdol Rauf in 1844 and can hold up to 700 worshippers. This mosque is one of the popular mosques in Cape Town, South Africa located in Bo-Kaap.

 

8. Jameah Mosque, Lower Chiappini Street, Bo Kaap

This mosque is also known as the Queen Victoria Mosque and was specially granted land to be built on. It is also one of the largest mosques in the Bo-Kaap district. The land for the religious site was achieved through the conflicts the Battle of the Axe and the Battle of Blaauwberg.

 

9. Coowatul Mosque, Loop Street, Cape Town

The Coowatul Mosque was built in 1892 during the increase of Indian and Mauritian settlers that arrived in South Africa. It was also the first Indian mosque to be founded in Cape Town. It is recognizable for its simple white exterior with dark green accents.

 

10. Mosque Shafee, Upper Chiappini Street, Bo Kaap

This mosque located on Chiappini Street was the fifth mosque to be built in the Bo Kaap area in 1859 that played a vital role in bringing communities together. Today it is still an important historical building.

Leave a comment