Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap Neighborhood | History & Culture
Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap Neighborhood : The Bo-Kaap is a visual town and one of the Cape Town’s most distinct neighbourhoods known for its vibrant, predominantly Cape Malay community and its equally bold flat-roofed colorful houses and cobbled stone roads.
This colorful town formerly known as Malay Quarter is situated at the foot of Signal Hill, on the fringe of the city centre, the Bo-Kaap’s origins date back to the 1760s when numerous rental houses “huurhuisjes” were built and leased to slaves and political exiles brought here from other Dutch colonies in the east including Indonesia’s Batavia, Sumatra, Java as well as East Africa. Most of these groups spoke some Malay, hence this new community becoming known as the Cape Malays.
Bo-Kaap is named for the Afrikaans phrase meaning “above the Cape”. Today, it is one of the most instagrammable places in the country due to its pastel-colored houses and picturesque cobbled streets. Beyond the colored looks, there is more to Bo-Kaap, it is one of the oldest and most historical residential areas in Cape Town. Most of all, its synonymous with Islamic Cape Malay Culture, evidence of which can be found throughout the area, from its halal restaurants to the haunting sound of the muezzin’s call to prayer.
Early History of Bo-Kaap
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. The Cape Malay people originated from the Dutch East Indies (including Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia), and were exiled by the Dutch to the Cape as slaves towards the end of the 17th Century. Some of them were convicts or slaves in their home countries, and others were political prisoners from wealthy, influential backgrounds. Almost all of them practiced Islam as their religion.
According to the legend, there rental terms of de Waal’s houses stipulated that their walls must be kept white. When slavery was abolished in 1834 and the Cape Malay slaves were able to purchase their homes, many of them chose to paint them in bright colors as an expression of their newfound freedom.
Originally Waalendorp, Bo-Kaap become known as the Malay Quarter, and Islamic traditions became an intrinsic part of the neighborhood’s heritage. Also, it was a flourishing culture center as many of the slaves were skilled artisans.
Bo-Kaap During Apartheid
During the apartheid era, Bo-Kaap was subject to the Group Areas Act of 1950, which enabled the government to segregate the population by declaring separate neighborhoods for each race or religion or ethnicities were forcibly removed. In fact, Bo-Kaap was the only area of Cape Town in which Cape Malay people were allowed to live. It was unique in a way that it was one of the few city center locations designated for non-whites. Most other ethnicities were located to townships on the outskirts of the city.
Many Cape Malays were able to lease the single-storied terrace houses (called huurhuisies). The first mosque in South Africa, the Auwal Mosque on Dorp Street, was built (1794), and when slavery was abolished in 1834, the population swelled in the area as those emancipated moved into the newer parts of the Bo Kaap.
Things To Know Before Visiting Bo Kaap, Cape Town
Bo Kaap is the oldest living neighborhood in Cape Town
The neighborhood was developed in the 1760s by Dutch Colonialist Jan de Waal as housing for the Cape Malay slaves, the terraced Cape Dutch houses of the Bo Kaap are some of the oldest in Cape Town.
These streets are home to the largest concentration of pre-1850 South African architecture, and the suburb is the oldest residential neighborhood still surviving today.
You Should Dress Conservatively in Bo Kaap
Bo Kaap is still a predominantly Muslim area and as such, all visitors should dress conservatively whilst visiting. For men and women alike, it is best to keep your chest, legs and shoulders covered respectfully, particularly if you plan to enter any of the mosques.
For ladies, carry a headscarf in your bag if you intend to enter the Mosque too.
Bo Kaap isn’t your Insta-Playground
Yes the street is wonderfully colorful and a true photography playground but while the facades have become a huge draw for travelers in recent years, please remember that this is still a living neighborhood with a complex past and a rich Muslim culture.
These are people’s homes and livelihoods, so be mindful of that when exploring. Don’t be intrusive, jump on gates, steep, or outdoor furnitures and try not to disrupt people trying to live their lives in their own neighbourhood more than you need to.
Things To Do in The Bo Kaap
Bo Kaap Walking Tour
Visitors in the neighborhood are able to explore it on foot while gaining insight into the district’s vivid history, culture and scenery. On a walking tour, you will get an overview of Bo-Kaap’s best known landmarks including the colorful houses, hidden places to find local beers, multiple mosques and historical restaurants and shops.
Bo Kaap Walking Tour is informative, fun and free tour.
Visit Bo-Kaap Museum
The Bo- Kaap Museum was established in 1976 as an extension of the South African Cultural History Museum. In order to depict the lifestyle of a traditional 19th Century Muslim family residing in Bo-Kaap, the museum is set up and furnished as if it is a family’s home. Although the museum is small, it offers visitors a look into the past, culture and socio-political climate of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood.
Auwal Mosque
Bo Kaap is a hub of Cape Town’s Muslim population boasting numerous mosques. However, the best known of these is unquestionably the Auwal Mosque, commissioned by an Indonesian Prince and built in 1794. Auwal Mosque is the first mosque built in all of South Africa. Interestingly, the first Imam, or Muslim worship leader is thought to have written several copies of the holy Quran completely from memory in this spot.
Marco’s African Place
Accommodating over 220 guests, Marco’s African Place is a huge restaurant with an enormous spirit to match. It encompasses of many facets of Africa culture, from food to music and event art. Marco’s Africa place is popular among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant features daily live entertainments and also hosts jazz events from time to time.
The décor is truly Africa, with ceramic pots from around the continent and pieces of traditional art and African instruments on the walls.
How To Get To The Bo Kaap
Bo Kaap is close to the Cape Town making it super accessible for travelers. On foot, it is just five minutes’ walk from the centre of the Cape Town CBD, or a pleasant 20-3- minutes from the V&A Waterfront (about 10 minutes by Uber). From the city centre, just follow Wale Street straight up until you get to the IZIKO Bo-Kaap Museum.
