Gallery
Description
Property Name: Great Mosque of Kilwa
Inventory No: 255-27-1
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2008-02-26
Country (State party): Tanzania
Province: Tanga
Town: Kilwa
Geographic coordinates: 8°57’32.94″S
39°29’53.78″E
Historic Period:
Year of Construction: 12th century
Style:
Original Use: Mosque
Current Use:
Architect: Unknown
Significance
It is the earliest remaining mosque on the East African coast. It is one of the first mosques without a courtyard and is roofed by domes and vaults. The great dome on the southern extension is believed to be the first true dome on the East African coast. The structure has two defined stages of construction and the Northern prayer hall had been built in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Selection Criteria
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
–
References
Ed. Mitchell, George. Architecture of the Islamic World. London: Thames and Hudson.
Garlake, Peter S. 1966. The Early Islamic Architecture of the East African Coast. London: Oxford University Press.