The Beautiful Masjids of South Africa
South Africa is known for its melting pot of cultures. One thing that South Africa is not known for is its architecture. We have histories of native people, colonialists and diaspora, creating the beautiful and broken towns and cities we live in today. Religious buildings form part of our history. From temples to churches to mosques, these buildings can explain our history.
Islam arrived in South Africa with its people during the 17th when the Dutch controlled the Cape colony. Muslims Indians came when Indians came to work on the sugarcane fields and allowed to work in the country. Ever since then, Muslim people have forged their way through S.A. in many ways. Halal food is widely available, and more people are accepting and understanding of Islam. We have many incredible Mosques. Here is a list of some of the most spellbinding masjid (mosques/ places of worship for Muslim people) in South Africa and a bit about their histories
- Grey Street Juma Masjid, Durban.
This is the oldest Mosque in Durban and the second largest in the country. It was first built in 1881 and has since had renovations. It is known for its beautiful golden minarets. In the 1970s, it held the title of the southern hemisphere’s largest mosque. It can hold up to 6000 worshipers and is still a popular place of worship for Muslim Durbanites. The building also contains a shopping centre.
2. Nizamiye Turkish Mosque, Midrand
The Nizamiye Turkish Mosque is the first Turkish mosque built on the continent. It is arguably the most beautiful mosque in the country with traditional Turkish architecture. It is now the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere. It is known as the blue mosque because of its blue interior. It was built to improve ties between Turkey and South Africa. The mosque is modelled on Turkey’s famous Selimiye Mosque in EDIRNE which was constructed between 1568 and 1574.
3. Sparks Road Musjid, Durban
The Sparks Road Mohammadeya Masjid is situated in the heart of Overport, Durban. It is known for the green minarets and prayers being played through the speakers every evening and Fridays. Not much is written about the mosque. However, the beautiful sounds of the azan can be heard through the neighbour and have created cultural activity in the area.
4. Soofie Mosque, Ladysmith
The Soofie Mosque nestled in Ladysmith, Kwa-Zulu Natal was built by Muslim saint Hazreth Soofie Saheb in 1910. His mission was to make schools along the coast and help educate the people of South Africa. In 1969, the mosque was rebuilt to be bigger and honour the saint. The minarets, turrets and façade of the building are stark white. Inside is a courtyard filled with palm trees and a blue fountain.
5. Soofie Saheb Mosque, Durban (Durban North)
One of the most famous mosques in Durban, it was broken down during the group areas act and built again. The mosque was built in 1895 by Sha Goolam Soofie or Soofie Saheb. Like most mosques, it served the community as a house of worship, clinic, orphanage, cemetery and Islamic school. In 1950, the mosque was broken down due to the apartheid group areas act. This was when Indians who lived in Durban North were moved to the then newly created Chatsworth Suburb. In the 1990s, the mosque was rebuilt to its former glory.
6. Auwal Mosque, Bokaap, Cape Town
The Auwal Mosque is the oldest mosque in South Africa, built with the first influx of Muslim people. The masjid was constructed in 1798. It became the first place of worship to practice Cape Malay Muslim customs. The mosque is a symbol of freedom for Muslims in South Africa to practice their religion. Due to an internal dispute between imams (priests), part of the mosque broke away to create the Palm Tree Mosque.
7. Boorhaanol Mosque, Longmarket Street, Cape Town
The Boorhaanol mosque started with a goal of socio-economic improvement and religious education. The Boorhaanol Mosque was started around 50 years ago. The organisation that runs the mosque has created a strong sense of community. According to its website, the mosque is very involved in society and has programmes helping children and educating children about Islam. One of the building’s defining features is that the façade is mint green.
8. Masjid Aziz/Pier Street Mosque, Port Elizabeth
Also known as the green mosque, it was one of the few buildings that survived the group areas act during the 1970s in Port Elizabeth. What’s interesting about this mosque is that the street it was built on no longer exists. It now stands alone, almost as if it’s stranded. Although smaller than most of the other mosques on this list, the beautiful building is a defining feature when entering Port Elizabeth. It’s green exterior, and Islamic design contrasts the views of the ships in the port.
