Bo-Kaap - formally known as The Malay Quarter -is the spiritual home of the Cape’s large Muslim community, and one of the oldest parts of Cape Town, having retained some of its historical character with its colourful Georgian houses on narrow cobbled streets. It is situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre and is an historical centre of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town.
The Nurul Islam Mosque, established in 1844, is the oldest in South Africa.
- This is one of the few areas in Cape Town that has changed little over the centuries
- Gorgeous photographic peach-shots of the colourful houses infused with history
- Bo-Kaap Museum
- Shukokai Practical Shooting Club
- Bo-Kaap Kombuis (restaurant)
- Biesmiellah Restaurant
- Batavia Cafe
- Mezbaan
- Rocksole Shoe Store
- Nurul Islam Mosque
- Aural Masjid
Bo-Kaap is one of the oldest parts of Cape Town and is one of the few to have retained some of its historical character. It originated during the 18th century. As Cape Town expanded an increasing number of lower-income families including many artisans made their homes here. The quarry where stone was extracted can be seen at the top of Strand Street.
The influx of Malays (from Maritime Southeast Asia, mostly Javanese from modern-day Indonesia) into this quarter probably began in the 1830s when slavery was abolished and Malay residents who had been forcibly brought to the Cape made their homes there. By the 19th century it was already known as the Malay or the Islamic Quarter.
It owes much of its character to its domestic architecture, painted in a variety of colours. Several mosques with picturesque minarets are still in daily use. The area is the spiritual home to the Muslim community. The Quarter was probably a major factor why the Cape Malay community retain its identity as a group.
Unfortunately the quality of its environment deteriorated after WWI, and in 1944 it was declared a slum. This led several prominent Cape Town citizens who formed a group for the retention of the Malay Quarter, with the support of both the then Historical Monuments Commission and the City Council. Initially much of the suburb was purchased by the City Council, but as public opinion swung in its favour, so then the Government set aside funds for the rehabilitation of this area. It was declared a National Monument in 1966.
SOURCE REFERENCES
http://www.sahistory.org.za/places/malay-quarter-cape-town
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