Languages

Katanning Mosque


History


The Katanning Mosque was built in 1980 by the local Islamic community, who arrived in Katanning in 1974 after moving from Christmas Island, and was opened in 1981 by late Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Katanning’s large Muslim community originated from the Cocos and Christmas Islands. The Cocos-Malays are descended from workers brought to the Cocos Islands in the 19th century to assist with the harvesting of coconuts for copra.

The community has continued to grow with relatives from the Cocos Islands moving to Katanning. The islands were isolated during much of their habitation and a unique culture and language has developed based on original Malay traditions and the Islamic religion. Many of the Malays that come from Cocos Island have been living here for almost 40 years and more. Although assimilating well into their new community their relationship with the community on the island is still close including language, customs and the way of life of the Cocos island.

Urban and Architectural


At the back of the mosque there is also a religious school which is used as a classroom to teach the Malay community children every weekend and, within the Mosque, the Malay language remains the main language. The mosque was constructed with orange bricks and silver minarets.

Description


Katanning remote mosque is located in the community of Katanning outside of Perth. It serves several communities but, in particular, the Malay and Indonesian communities.

Details

Location

24, Britannia Street, Katanning Western Australia 6317

Worshippers

300

Owners

Islamic Community Katanning

Year of Build

1980

Area

740 m²

Drawings

Map

History

The Katanning Mosque was built in 1980 by the local Islamic community, who arrived in Katanning in 1974 after moving from Christmas Island, and was opened in 1981 by late Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Katanning’s large Muslim community originated from the Cocos and Christmas Islands. The Cocos-Malays are descended from workers brought to the Cocos Islands in the 19th century to assist with the harvesting of coconuts for copra.

The community has continued to grow with relatives from the Cocos Islands moving to Katanning. The islands were isolated during much of their habitation and a unique culture and language has developed based on original Malay traditions and the Islamic religion. Many of the Malays that come from Cocos Island have been living here for almost 40 years and more. Although assimilating well into their new community their relationship with the community on the island is still close including language, customs and the way of life of the Cocos island.

Urban and Architectural

At the back of the mosque there is also a religious school which is used as a classroom to teach the Malay community children every weekend and, within the Mosque, the Malay language remains the main language. The mosque was constructed with orange bricks and silver minarets.

Description

Katanning remote mosque is located in the community of Katanning outside of Perth. It serves several communities but, in particular, the Malay and Indonesian communities.