Palm tree mosque

Palm tree mosque is the second oldest Muslim sacred place of worship in South Africa. The mosque was the home of Frans van Bengalen and Jan van Boughies. They were freed slaves who bought the property in 1807. They were originally members of the nearby Auwal Mosque.

Palm tree mosque is the oldest building on Long Street that is in its original condition. The story goes that the seeds for the two palm trees on the street were brought back to Cape Town by some pilgrims who had visited Mecca.

During the time the VOC ran the Cape the Dutch discouraged the practice of Islam. Ceremonies were held in secret, mostly outside on the mountain slopes

185 Long Street