Mandhry Mosque
History
The oldest mosque still in operation in the old town area is a mosque from the sixteenth century. It is a two-story building made of coral rubble and lime plaster that has been beautifully preserved. The mosque originally only had one level, but pressure from population development and the requirement for a madrasa and a room for women to pray led to the need for an extra storey in 1988 and again in 1992. Italian Architect Francesco Siravo was the designer in charge to the expansion of the mosque in 1988
Urban and Architectural
a beautiful illustration of Swahili architecture, which fuses the soothing geometric patterns of African design with the magnificent flourishes of Arabic design. One of only two mosques in the world, Mandhry Mosque, has two mirhabs, pointing toward Mecca, where Muslims face when they pray. The mosque has a simple rectangualr form with a a rounded minaret.
Description
The mosque has a simple exterior but a very ornate interior with five arched doors and four exquisitely carved windows. There are several inscriptions, seats, and arched windows inside the mosque. The settlers' religious relics have been well-preserved.
References
https://www.archnet.org/sites/1243
https://paukwa.or.ke/mandhry-mosque-mombasa/
https://www.archnet.org/sites/6051
Details
Location
Mandhry Mosque, Sir Mbarak Hinawy Road, Mombasa, Kenya
Worshippers
140
Owners
Mandhary Clan (Omani Settlers)
Architect Name
Year of Build
1570
Area
270
Drawings
Map
History
The oldest mosque still in operation in the old town area is a mosque from the sixteenth century. It is a two-story building made of coral rubble and lime plaster that has been beautifully preserved. The mosque originally only had one level, but pressure from population development and the requirement for a madrasa and a room for women to pray led to the need for an extra storey in 1988 and again in 1992. Italian Architect Francesco Siravo was the designer in charge to the expansion of the mosque in 1988
Urban and Architectural
a beautiful illustration of Swahili architecture, which fuses the soothing geometric patterns of African design with the magnificent flourishes of Arabic design. One of only two mosques in the world, Mandhry Mosque, has two mirhabs, pointing toward Mecca, where Muslims face when they pray. The mosque has a simple rectangualr form with a a rounded minaret.
Description
The mosque has a simple exterior but a very ornate interior with five arched doors and four exquisitely carved windows. There are several inscriptions, seats, and arched windows inside the mosque. The settlers' religious relics have been well-preserved.