Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap (lit. "above the Cape" in Afrikaans) is an area of Cape Town, South Africa formerly known as the Malay Quarter. It is a former racially segregated area, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre and is a historical centre of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. The Nurul Islam Mosque, established in 1844, is located in the area.

Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town with its distinctive pastel coloured houses in the foreground, with the city centre to the left and Table Mountain in the background
Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap
Coordinates: 33°55′15″S 18°24′55″E
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceWestern Cape
MunicipalityCity of Cape Town
Established1760
Area
  Total0.95 km2 (0.37 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)
  Total3,203
  Density3,400/km2 (8,700/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
  Coloured66.0%
  Black African9.0%
  White4.3%
  Indian/Asian3.4%
  Other17.3%
First languages (2011)
  English64.0%
  Afrikaans30.3%
  Other5.7%
Time zoneUTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)
8001
Area code+27 (0)21

Bo-Kaap is known for its brightly coloured homes and cobblestoned streets. The area is traditionally a multicultural neighbourhood, and 56.9% of its population identify as Muslim. According to the South African Heritage Resources Agency, the area contains the largest concentration of pre-1850 architecture in South Africa, and is the oldest surviving residential neighborhood in Cape Town.

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