10. The Great Mosque of Kilwa
The Great Mosque of Kilwa is one of the earliest mosques on the East African coast. It stands at the edge of modern-day Kilwa as an example of cultural synthesis, blending African and Arab influences.
In 1220, the Great Mosque serves as a significant religious and cultural center on the Swahili Coast. Kilwa is a powerful city-state, enriched by trade with Arabia, Persia, and India. The mosque plays a crucial role, not only as a place of worship but also as a gathering spot for traders and scholars. It is a hub of Islamic learning and discussion, attracting visitors who come to exchange knowledge and participate in the religious and intellectual life of the city.
From the Outside
In 1220 the mosque’s exterior is constructed primarily of coral stone, a material readily available along the coast. The walls are thick and sturdy, built from square-cut blocks of coral that have been hardened and strengthened with a lime-based mortar. Decorative niches and arched windows punctuate the structure, adding a sense of rhythm and balance to the design. Notably, the mosque lacks an open courtyard, an unusual feature for mosques of its era and region.
The domes that roof the building today, including the prominent Great Dome, will be built about 100 years from now, and the southern wing will also be added later. At present, the mosque has a flat roof, which, while functional, lacks the architectural splendor of future expansions.
Northern Prayer Hall
The northern prayer hall is the oldest part of the mosque, constructed in the 11th and 12th centuries. It consists of 16 bays, divided by nine coral stone pillars. These original pillars are octagonal, each carved from a single block of coral stone, standing 140 centimeters tall with a square base measuring 40 centimeters per side. The flat roof, supported by these columns, is covered in coral plaster, engraved with circular patterns that lend a simple elegance to the space.
In the coming decades, specifically within 20 to 40 years, these coral stone columns will be replaced with timber supports. At that time, more elaborate roof structures, including transverse beams and side pilasters, will be installed to enhance both stability and beauty. The walls of the prayer hall are already lined with square-cut coral blocks set in thick mortar, creating a strong and visually cohesive enclosure. A unique feature in this space is the four blocks of dressed coral stone projecting from the wall, forming a shelf that currently supports the mosque’s minbar (pulpit) used for sermons.
The prayer hall, as it exists in 1220, reflects early Swahili architectural practices, emphasizing practicality and durability. It serves as a focal point for the community, hosting Friday prayers and important religious gatherings. The mosque’s role in education and scholarly pursuits is evident, as it attracts students and teachers who engage in the study of Islamic texts and law. The area is also a place of social interaction, where community matters are discussed and resolved.
Ablution Area and Anteroom
Adjacent to the northern prayer hall lies a sunken ablution courtyard, essential for ritual purification before prayers. This courtyard includes a tank, a well, and a washroom, with large, round sandstone blocks embedded in the ground for exfoliating feet after washing. A stairway leads from this area to the roof, while an anteroom connects the courtyard to the prayer hall. The northwest corner of the anteroom provides access to a small vaulted chamber, which serves as a private room for the imam.
The ablution area is already a crucial part of the mosque, reflecting the importance of ritual purity in Islamic practice. The design emphasizes practicality and cleanliness, with thoughtful features to accommodate the large number of worshippers. The craftsmanship of the facilities highlights the community’s commitment to religious observance and spiritual preparation. The anteroom and adjacent chambers also serve as spaces for contemplation and preparation, reinforcing the mosque’s role as a spiritual sanctuary.
Future Changes
Over the next century, the mosque will undergo significant changes. By the early 14th century, Sultan al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman will add the southern wing and construct the first true dome on the East African coast, known as the Great Dome. These modifications will transform the mosque into an architectural marvel, admired by travelers like Ibn Battuta and setting a precedent for future mosque designs along the Swahili Coast.