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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.

Details

Location

Mandhry Mosque, Sir Mbarak Hinawy Road, Mombasa, Kenya

Worshippers

140

Owners

Mandhary Clan (Omani Settlers)

Architect Name

Francesco Siravo

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.