Azhar Mosque, Mombasa

The Azhar Mosque is one of the city鈥檚 notable Islamic landmarks, reflecting the deep religious and cultural traditions of the coastal region. Built in the 20th century, the mosque continues the long history of Islam on the Swahili Coast, where Arab traders first introduced the faith centuries earlier. Its presence in Mombasa鈥檚 Old Town makes it part of a wider landscape of historic mosques, narrow winding streets, and carved Swahili doors that tell the story of the city鈥檚 layered past.

Architecturally, the mosque combines simple whitewashed walls with graceful minarets that rise above the surrounding rooftops, creating a striking feature in the Old Town skyline. Though not as large as some of Mombasa鈥檚 other mosques, Azhar Mosque is admired for its symmetry and sense of harmony. Its design reflects both functional needs for worship and aesthetic details influenced by Islamic traditions that stretch across the Indian Ocean, connecting East Africa to the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia.

The mosque remains an active place of worship, especially during Friday prayers and religious festivals, when it draws members of the local Muslim community together. For visitors, its location in the heart of Old Town makes it a meaningful stop while exploring the area鈥檚 cultural landmarks. Nearby, you will find bustling markets, historic houses, and the call to prayer echoing across the narrow streets, providing a vivid sense of Mombasa鈥檚 living heritage.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mombasa. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sight Name: Azhar Mosque
Sight Location: Mombasa, Kenya (See walking tours in Mombasa)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Mombasa's Top Religious Sites

Walking Tours in Mombasa, Kenya

Create Your Own Walk in Mombasa

Creating your own self-guided walk in Mombasa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Mombasa Introduction Walking Tour

Kenya's second-largest city Mombasa is a bustling metropolis and a major regional cultural and economic hub. Owing to its strategic location on the country's east coast, facing the Indian ocean, Mombasa enjoys steady influx of visitors as both, a seaport and tourist destination. The most notable local landmarks include the famous "Tusks", Swaminarayan Temple, Jain Temple, Fort... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles

Mombasa Shopping Tour

Mombasa is the best place in Kenya for souvenirs, because most of the country鈥檚 unique handicrafts are made right here in the city. You can get many amazing African art pieces, handmade jewelry and home decorations like captivating wooden statues. Take our tour to find the best shopping spots in the city, from the beach to the Old Town district.

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles

Mombasa's Top Religious Sites

Mombasa has a strong Arab influence, a fact which is reflected in the great number of old mosques in this Kenyan city. But here you鈥檒l also find many Hindu temples and Christian churches that have been established over time. Take our self-guided tour to explore the religious life of the city.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

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