Tell me about the Muslims of Cape Town

Cape Town’s Muslim story stretches back centuries. In Bo-Kaap, Auwal Mosque—founded in 1794—became South Africa’s first mosque, built by a community that kept its faith and traditions alive.

A mosque is also a place where neighbors build community. Cape Town’s Muslim heritage lives in family kitchens too: Cape Malay koesisters are spiced, syrup-dipped treats—sticky fingers are practically part of the recipe!

Food carries family traditions, and learning does too. In Cape Town, many Muslim children study at madrasa, learning about their faith and practicing Arabic reading—those letters have some serious curves!