Burhani Mosque, Mombasa

The Burhani Mosque is one of the city鈥檚 most striking religious landmarks, reflecting the long-standing Islamic traditions that define the Swahili Coast. Built in 1988 by the Dawoodi Bohra community, a Shi鈥檃 Muslim sect with a notable mercantile history, the mosque is both a place of worship and a symbol of identity for this group within Mombasa鈥檚 multicultural setting. Its construction and meticulous upkeep highlight the Bohra community鈥檚 values of devotion, order, and hospitality, ensuring the mosque remains an active center of spiritual and cultural life.

Architecturally, the Burhani Mosque draws inspiration from the Fatimid era, giving it a unique character within the city鈥檚 Old Town. The mosque is a multi-story, rectangular structure with a flat roof, a striking minaret, and a large paved courtyard. Among its distinctive features is a projected mihrab that can be accessed by exterior stairs, a rare element in mosque design. Its bright white walls, arched windows, and balanced proportions make it stand out against the historic backdrop of narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, and centuries-old houses influenced by Arab, Indian, and European styles.

The mosque鈥檚 location by the ocean adds to its atmosphere, offering a serene environment enhanced by the sea breeze. Close to Fort Jesus, the Leven Steps, and the harbor area, it forms part of a wider landscape where faith, history, and trade intersect. Although non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer halls, the Burhani Mosque remains an admired feature of Mombasa鈥檚 skyline, drawing visitors who appreciate its architecture, cultural significance, and role in the city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: Burhani 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'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

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

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