Suvarna Garge (Editor)

Bo Kaap

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Country
  
South Africa

Municipality
  
City of Cape Town

Postal code (street)
  
8001

Phone
  
+27 21 481 3939

Province
  
Western Cape

Established
  
1978

Area code
  
+27 (0)21

Bo-Kaap

Address
  
71 Wale St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Hours
  
Closed today SundayClosedMonday10AM–5PMTuesday10AM–5PMWednesday10AM–5PMThursday10AM–5PMFriday10AM–5PMSaturday10AM–5PM

Similar
  
Signal Hill, District Six, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Table Mountain, Company's Garden

Bo kaap malay quarters cape town


The Bo-Kaap is an area of Cape Town, South Africa formerly known as the Malay Quarter. It is a former township, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre and is an historical centre of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. The Nurul Islam Mosque, established in 1844, is located in the area.

Contents

Bo-Kaap is traditionally a multicultural area. The area is known for its brightly coloured homes and cobble stoned streets.

Cape town table mountain bo kaap company s garden


Bo-Kaap Museum

The museum, which dates back to the 1760s, is the oldest house in the area still in its original form, and well worth a visit. It highlights the cultural contribution made by early Muslim settlers, many of whom were skilled tailors, carpenters, shoe makers and builders. It contains 19th century furnishings which include a fine Cape drop-leaf dining table, Cape Regency-style chairs and a bridal chamber decorated to match the bride's dress.

The museum is distinguishable by its voorstoep—a type of front terrace with a bench at each end emphasizing the polarizing aspect of Cape Muslim culture.

Gentrification

As a result of Cape Town's economic development and expansion, and after the demise of forced racial segregation under apartheid, property in the Bo-Kaap has become very sought after, not only for its location but also for its picturesque cobble-streets and unique architecture. Increasingly, this close-knit community is "facing a slow dissolution of its distinctive character as wealthy outsiders move into the suburb to snap up homes in the City Bowl at cut-rate prices". Inter-community conflict has also arisen as some residents object to the sale of buildings and the resultant eviction of long-term residents.

References

Bo-Kaap Wikipedia