Bo–Kaap

The Bo-Kaap (meaning upper Cape), formerly known as the Cape Malay Quarter, is an area in Cape Town situated to the west of the city centre on the slopes of Signal Hill. It is known for its steep cobbled streets, brightly painted traditional houses and its Muslim Mosques and Kramats (Muslim Saint’s shrines.)

Traditional Bo Kaap residents are descended from slaves imported by the Dutch in the 16th and 17th centuries. These slaves originated from Africa, Indonesia, Java, Malaysia and elsewhere in Asia. They formed the first Muslim population in the Cape. They were craftsmen, political exiles, artisans and convicts. Their influence on Cape Town has been enormous.

The Bo-Kaap Museum, situated at 71 Wale Street, documents the history of the Cape Malays. The museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the area which has been fully restored. The land upon which the house stands was granted in 1763.

The oldest mosque in South Africa, the Auwal Mosque was established in 1794 and is situated in the Bo-Kaap at 34 Dorp Street. It is a Shafee mosque, conforming to the doctrines of Muslims of Indonesian origin.

The Bo Kaap houses a vibrant colorful community. Today it is an up and coming area of the city, with eclectic restaurants, diverse businesses and boutique accommodation.