A Guide to South Africa's Mosques
South Africa is known as much for its natural beauty as its multi-cultural society of various religions, races and ethnicities. The Culture Trip takes a look at the most beautiful mosques in the country, all of which are steeped in history and tradition.
1. Auwal Mosque, Cape Town
Mosque
2. Nizamiye Mosque and Complex, Johannesburg
Mosque, School
Nizamiye Mosque and Complex, Johannesburg
The Nizamiye Mosque is considered the most beautiful mosque in South Africa and is the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. The mosque and complex was established by Ali Katircioglu, a retired Turkish property developer, and completed in 2012. The Nizamiye Complex houses a mosque, school, dormitory, shopping center, clinic and traditional Turkish restaurant and bakery, welcoming visitors from all religions and nationalities. The magnificent mosque is modeled on the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, Turkey and accommodates up to 3,000 worshipers. The impressive exterior features four minarets that extend 55 meters into the Johannesburg skyline, and are each decorated with a unique design. Inside, the mosque features marble columns and a majestic 31-meter high dome decorated in exquisite Turkish art, which is emulated on the carpet below. The walls are covered with Turkish ceramic tiles painted in beautiful floral designs and Arabic calligraphy.
Le Roux Ave, Midrand, Johannesburg, 1685
3. Juma Mosque, Durban
Mosque
5. Soofie Mosque, Ladysmith
Mosque
6. Habibia Soofie Mosque, Cape Town
Cemetery, Mosque
Habibia Soofie Mosque, Cape Town
You’ll find the Habibia Soofie Mosque in the predominantly-Muslim neighborhood of Rylands in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. The mostly green and white complex contains a mosque, madressa and cemetery. The masjid was established by Hazrath Soofie Saheb,who traveled from Durban to Cape Town, and was completed in 1905. The mosque features several tall minarets and a large central dome, while the ornate interior is decorated in gold and white latticework.
63 Flat Rd, Rylands, Cape Town, 7764
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.