Bo-Kaap - The Old Malay Quarter | Cape Town, South Africa
Some of the Colourful Houses of Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap, the old Malay Quarter, situated within walking distance of Cape Town's city center is one of the oldest suburbs in South Africa. Built between 1790 and 1825 by and for the artisans of Cape Town. The area underwent major restorations in the early 1970's after a part of Bo-Kaap which included Wale, Shortmarket, Church, Chiappinni and Rose Streets, were declared a National Monument in 1966.
The area reflects the political history of Cape Town with houses built in both Cape Dutch and Cape Georgian styles, showing the Dutch and later the British rule in South Africa. Bo-Kaap was home to political exiles from Java and Ceylon, and also liberated slaves. Most of the people living there were muslim, as is the case today. The very first mosque in South Africa, the Auwal Masjied, can be found in Bo-Kaap. Saartjie van de Kaap, the daughter of Coridon van Ceylon (a freed black muslim slave), inherited a property from her father that was being used as a warehouse which she donated for use as South Africa's first mosque.
A View of Table Mountain from Bo-Kaap
Part of the Original Cobblestone Streets
Bo-Kaap is rich in culture and heritage with the Cape Malay culture being kept alive by the many, mostly muslim residents, living there. Another tradition being kept alive is on new years and tweede nuwe jaar (second new year) celebrations, when the Cape Minstrels march through the streets of Cape Town, from District Six through the City Center all the way to Bo-Kaap.
Because of this rich heritage, Bo-Kaap is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cape Town, where people come to experience the Cape Malay culture and also to get a feel of what life would have been like in the earlier years of Cape Town.
Wale Street and Devil's Peak in the Background
All photos are my own
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I like the colorful houses. 😊
Wooowww, I had never seen such architecture or painting style of houses. I guess it's the super mixture of the Dutch, English and Muslim cultures, all in one South African city. I had only heard of Cape Town, but I had never actually read a story of how it was or seen pictures of it. I now know that it's a very beautiful place and have you to thank for that.
You could also submit some of this to the colour contest. I suppose you know about it. These pictures are extremely beautiful. <3
I'm glad to know you're learning more about Cape Town through my posts and that's what I love about steemit, there's always something new to learn :-)
History of the mosque an interesting read @hoosain the area is a delight, people are proud of their heritage.
Thanks for stopping by 😊
Oh wow, love it! I am from Durban and have NEVER been to Cape Town, but I so desperately want to, especially after looking at these photos!
Cape Town is definitely a must see, especially if you're from SA... So much history, culture and scenery!!
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Hiya, just swinging by to let you know that this post made the Honorable mentions list in today's TravelDigest #174
Thank you :-)
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It looks so beautiful and colourful! I love the cobblestone streets.
The cobblestone streets really adds to the character of the area... but not so great to walk on 😊
Good to know more about Cape Town. Muslim is a very good religion which a lot of people misunderstood them.