What is the history of Bo-Kaap?

Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, on the fringe of the city centre, and formerly known as the Malay Quarter, the Bo-Kaap’s origins date back to the 1760s when numerous “huurhuisjes” (rental houses) were built and leased to slaves.

What is the Bo-Kaap known for?

Bo-Kaap is known for its brightly coloured homes and cobble stoned streets. The area is traditionally a multicultural neighbourhood, and 56.9% of its population identify as Muslim.

Why are the houses Colourful in Bo-Kaap?

So why are the buildings so colourful? It is unclear, but it is believed that when Bo-Kaap residents bought their houses, they decorated their homes with bright colours, as an expression of individualism. After apartheid ended, they painted their houses in bright colours as a celebration of their freedom.

How did Bo-Kaap get its name?

The earliest development in the Bo Kaap area was undertaken in the 1760s by a chap called Jan de Waal. Subsequently, the area became known as Waalendorp. It has also been known as the Malay Quarter, the Slamse Buurt, and Scotcheskloof. Translated from Afrikaans, Bo Kaap means ‘Above the Cape’.

When was Bo-Kaap built?

1760s
The Bo-Kaap neighborhood was first developed in the 1760s by Dutch colonialist Jan de Waal, who built a series of small rental houses to provide accommodation for the city’s Cape Malay slaves.

When was Bo-Kaap declared a heritage site?

30 May 2019
Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, made the announcement on Tuesday, 30 May 2019, stating that a number of mosques, schools, homesteads and the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum were included in the decision. The Bo-Kaap Museum, like all museums, is a space for preserving heritage and tradition.

What is the architectural influence of the Cape Malay?

Cape Malay aka Bo Kaap has been inhabited from 1870. There is a number of houses constructed in this area and each with a unique design. The architectural design is a mixture of Dutches and Georgians. Bo Kaap was initially filled with slaves and were later freed by the Muslims that came and lived on.

When was Bo-Kaap founded?

1760
In 1760 Jan de Waal, sexton of the Groote Kerk, bought the land between Dorp and Wale Streets from Alexander Coel, the original grantee of Schotse Kloof and the following year, he was granted the other block by the Burgher Council.

What race are Cape Coloureds?

Cape Coloureds (Afrikaans: Kaapse Kleurlinge) are a South African ethnic group composed primarily of persons of mixed race and khoisan decent. Although Coloureds form a minority group within South Africa, they are the predominant population group in the Western Cape.

How did Islam come to South Africa?

Arrival of Indian Muslims The first began with a wave of immigration by indentured labourers from South India in the 1860s. These labourers were brought to South Africa by the British. 7-10% of these labourers were Muslim.

Who lives in Bo-Kaap?

Muslim
Bo-Kaap is now home to over 6 000 people, the majority of whom are Muslim. DID YOU KNOW that there are at least nine mosques in the Bo-Kaap, including the Auwal Mosque, the oldest mosque in South Africa, built in 1794? Tradition is entrenched within the Bo-Kaap community.

Why is Bo-Kaap a heritage site?

Gentrification and heritage status Just as the Bo-Kaap was a favourable location for freed slaves and artisans in its early days, so too is it popular today. It’s in a beautiful location, with views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town City Bowl, and it’s conveniently close to many of the city’s places of work.