Marie-Claire De Villiers
TOMORROW Culture Connect’s Iman Mohammed Groenewald will give a guided tour of the Bo-Kaap, including shrines, mosques, and museums, and ending with a traditional home cooked meal of one of South Africa’s favourite dishes, bobotie.
The Bo-Kaap is a place filled with the rich history and culture of people from Muslim, Hindu and Christian faiths, among more; a community which has overcome difference and stood together to face the challenges of apartheid and forced removals.
Through the ups and downs of the last 100 years and more the Bo-Kaap has remained a vibrant, colourful, uplifting area with a focus on sharing, music, food and faith.
Now, things are changing as the problem of gentrification arises, brought about by a demand for property ownership in an area which has become very sought after and expensive. Gentrification threatens to uproot members of the community who can no longer afford to resist lucrative offers, or in some cases, afford higher rentals which are being imposed.
Each element of the Bo-Kaap deserves its own recognition and exploration. The architecture here is striking, and ranges in age right back to more than a 100 years.
The music of the Bo-Kaap is celebrated world-over for its distinct flavour and authenticity, and also has a firm place in the making of major events on the Bo-Kaap calendar.
The food is also unique, spicy and flavoursome and is a major attraction for many.
According to Warden, Heyningen, and Bickford-Smith (Cape Town The Making of a City, 1998) in the 1780’s, under Dutch rule, a demand rose for the accommodation of foreign soldiers posted at the Cape.
This resulted in the parcelling out of land, on the slopes of Signal Hill, in an area which was to be known as Bo-Kaap. By 1800 a number of “free” black and Indian people (those who were not slaves) were living there, and the first Mosques and Madaris (Muslim schools) were built.
Ramadaan, which takes place this month, is a very important part of the Muslim faith, as it celebrates the time the Holy Quran was sent down to the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him).
During the month of Ramadaan, fasting happens between sunrise and sunset, and it is a time to refrain not only from food indulgences, but also from evil actions, thoughts and words.
It is obligatory for all Muslims to fast, unless they are physically unfit, in which case it is their duty to feed the poor if they are financially able.
Through Ramadaan, Muslims can keep the mind and body focused on good deeds and self-discipline, and praise the mightiness of Allah. Because Ramadaan takes place around the world, there are different timings, which are also determined according to Hanafi (Sunni) and fiqa Jafria (Shia) Muslims.
The character of the Bo-Kaap was and is entirely different to that of the grid of the city business district, with its formal and geometric layout. Bo-Kaap in comparison, consists of a maze of lanes, alleys, squares and cul-de-sacs. This has created a beautifully unique townscape which has largely benefitted tourism.
Along with music, food, events, and an honour of faith, the Bo Kaap is an incredibly special place to visit.
l Bo-Kaap: Faith And Homes Tour takes place on Saturday at 3pm and at 7pm. Cost: R300, which includes a delicious Cape Malay home-made dinner, call 072 377 8014. [email protected] This special event will be repeated on September 24 for Heritage Day.