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

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All photos are my own

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