Historic Mosque in Mombasa

Burhani Mosque: Of Fatemi Era Influences.

Since the 13th century Islam spread rapidly across the Swahili East Africa Coast, engendering the fabrication of numerous mosques – small, elegant, big, simple – adopting the architectural influence of consequent eras. Among the prominent mosques in Mombasa is the imposing edifice of the Burhani Masjid, Mombasa’s largest, which overlooks Indian Ocean just 50 ms from Sanaa Gallery and Old Port Mombasa. Burhani Masjid is a very attractive Mosque and a rather sizeable one, beautifully-sited at the creek side and looking out to English Point. It is one of five bohra masjids in Mombasa. Three Ashara Mubaraka have been conducted by the Moula at Burhani Masjid. Altogether Mombasa island has 20 mosques, or masjids.

Although Mosques profilerate throughout Mombasa Island, Old Town is widely perceived to be the city’s Islamic core, home to the Mandhry Masjid, established in 1570, in vicinity of Basheikh Mosque, which likely dates from the 13th century and tens of smaller religious spaces. The majority built by the both Swahili and Arabs adherent to the Shafii School and Sunni jurisprudence. Both these early mosques, Mandhry and Basheikh, are primarily influenced by the Omani Arab architecture. Above the iconic Mandhry Mosque, the latter-day Masjid Burhani, completed in 1984 to house the substantial number of worshippers, remains the main centre of religious life for the vast majority of Mombasa’s Bohra population.

It replaced an original Mosque built in 1901-3 by Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee, a successful merchant, but raised to ground in 1982. It has a more topical and contemporary design with fatemi era (Egypt) influences. A comparison of the evolution of the designs of the mosques on the Island is an engaging way to explore the interesting history of Mombasa. Far from the beautifully decorated Burhani, bedecked with large windows, elaborate mosaics and marblework, sheathed in exquisite tilework, extensive use of the locally adopted white and beige hues and its symmetrical minarets, there is little decoration to adorn the walls of the tiny, older Mosques and little sets them apart from the environs other than the minarets and carved doors atypical of Swahili mosque architecture.

Islam first arrived in the coastal regions of Kenya through Arab and Persian traders, by the 8th century. At the prominent city-states such as Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu that emerged along the Kenyan coast are many historic mosque from different eras. Islam in Kenya today represents a diverse and dynamic part of the country’s fabric, represented in beautiful mosque.

Index of Historic Mosques Around Kenya

Isiolo County - Isiolo Jamia Mosque , Kilifi County - The Great Mosque at Gede, Qubba Mosque , Kisumu County - The Arab, Nubian and Swahili Mosques, Kwale County - Kongo Mosque, Diani Mosque, Kirinyaga County - Mosque of Jesus Christ Son of Mary, Lamu County - Khoja Ithnasheri Mosque , Riyadha Mosque , Friday Mosque at Shela , Mombasa County - Badala Mosque , The Mandhry Mosque , Burhani Mosque , Musa Mosque, Muranga County - Mjini Mosque, Nairobi County - Khoja Mosque, Jamia Mosque, Ahmadiyya Mosque, Wajir County - The Noor Mosque, Eldas Jamia Mosque

Well-famous for its rich Swahili culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife – acclaimed as one of the top destinations in Kenya – Mombasa County is home to Mombasa City, Kenya’s second-largest city and a primary port town that has been a key trade center for centuries. Mombasa County is more than just beaches—it’s a cultural melting pot with history, adventure, and guaranteed coastal vibes.

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A Guide to Mombasa County

A Summa Digest of Mombasa

About Mombasa Way Back When

80 Destinations in Mombasa County , arranged as one would visit these - south, north then east - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Arab Rifle's Monument , Buli Monument , Fort Jesus Curio Shop , Camel Joint, Old Town Mombasa , Fort Jesus Museum I World Heritage Site , Mombasa Butterfly House , Santo Antonio de Tanna , Swahili Cultural Center , Sanaa Gallery , Old Port Mombasa , Leven House I Steps , Forodhani Restaurant , The Mandhry Mosque , Burhani Mosque , Tulia Backpackers , Bahdala Mosque , Mazrui Cemetery , Old Law Courts , Treasury Square , Africa Hotel , Kizingo BBQ, St. Joseph's Fort , Ras Serani Lighthouse , Kizingo War Camp , Mombasa Golf Club , Mama Ngina Waterfront Park , Shelly Beach , The Likoni Floating Bridge , Mbaraki Creek, Mombasa Yatch Club , Mbaraki Pillar , The Mombasa Mbaraki Cemetery , The Little Theatre Club , Kilindini Harbour , The Mombasa Memorial Church , The Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral , Lord Shiva Temple , The Old Mombasa Railway Station , Railways Park , Mombasa African Memorial , Mombasa’s Tusks , Fort Makupa , Kibarani Recreation Park , Akamba Handicraft Shop , Manyimbo War Cemetery , Tudor Water Sports Marina , Nyali Bridge , ACK Emmanuel , The Kengeleni Monument , Bahari Beach Resort , Tamarind Dhow Cruise , Krapf Memorial Heritage Park , Kenyatta Public Beach , Bombolulu Workshop , Haller Park , Mombasa Butterfly Pavilion , Bamburi Rifle Range , Mombasa Go-Kart , Suli Suli Fishing , Nguuni Nature Sanctuary , Mamba Village , Nyali Golf & Country Club , Wild Waters , Nyali Shopping Mall , Mombasa Marine Park I Reserve , Ngomongo Village , Shimo la Tewa Site , The Moorings , La Marina Restaurant

Know More About Mombasa County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with the aid of a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.01?

Mombasa County can be split into 3 zones: 1. Coastal plain, covering parts the Island; 2. The hilly areas rising gently from 45 ms to 132 ms asl in the west; and 3. The Indian Ocean and the shoreline.

What’s The Air Like In Mombasa?

May is generally the wettest month, then April and June. Average temperatures are always high, rarely falling below 24 o C across the year.

Know More About Mombasa County…

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