Kizimkazi Mosque
Mosque in Dimbani, Kusini, Tanzania
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kizimkazi Mosque, officially the Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque (Swahili: Misikiti wa kale wa Kizimkazi Dimbani), is a mosque located in the town of Dimbani, in the Kusini District of Unguja South Region in Tanzania. It is situated on the southern tip of the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania and is one of the oldest Islamic buildings on the East African coast.[2]
| Kizimkazi Mosque | |
|---|---|
Misikiti wa kale wa Kizimkazi Dimbani | |
| |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Mosque |
| Ownership | Tanzanian Government |
| Location | |
| Location | Dimbani, Kusini District, Unguja South Region |
| Country | Tanzania |
  Location in Tanzania | |
 Interactive map of Kizimkazi Mosque | |
| Administration | Antiquities Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism |
| Coordinates | 6°26′10″S 39°27′45″E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mosque |
| Style | |
| Completed | 1107 CE |
| Materials | Coral rag |
| Kizimkazi Mosque | |
 | |
 Interactive map of Kizimkazi Mosque | |
| Site notes | |
| Official name | Kizimkazi Mosque |
| Type | Cultural |
| The oldest mosque that is still in use today in East Africa | |
| [1] | |
The mosque, in current use, was listed as a National Historic Site.[citation needed]
Overview
Despite its name, it is located in Dimbani, not Kizimkazi, which is 4.8 kilometres (3 miles) away.[a] According to a preserved kufic inscription, the mosque was built in 1107 CE.[3] Although the inscription and certain coral-carved decorative elements date from the period of construction, the majority of the present structure was rebuilt in the 18th century.[4]
Gallery
Kizimkazi Mosque interior in the 19th Century.
Kizimkazi Mosque Cemetery with pillar tombs
Information sign
Kizimkazi Mosque prayer hall
Swahili architecture magrove pool roofs at Kizimkazi Mosque
See also
Notes
- The official names of the two joined villages are Kizimkazi Dimbani and Kizimkazi Mtendeni.
