THE CIRCLE OF TOMBS
THE CIRCLE OF TOMBS
NATIONAL HERITAGE PROTECTION FOR MUSLIM SHRINES IN THE CAPE
28 March 2024 - The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) has recently in terms of s27(5) of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999, declared seven Kramats as part of the CIRCLE OF TOMBS in the Western Cape as National Heritage Sites.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE KRAMATS
The circle of Kramats in Cape Town is formed by the shrines of Islamic Saints, the tombs of the Auliyah (Friends of Allah), and some of South Africa’s most influential spiritual leaders.
Legend goes that it is this circle that protects Cape Town from earthquakes and National disasters.
There are more than 20 recognized kramats in the Peninsula area, with at least another three in the outlying districts of Faure, Caledon, Rawsonville and Bains Kloof.
The history of the Mazaars starts with the Dutch invasion of places such as India, Ceylon and Java. Local communities resisted the tyranny but their leaders were banished to the Cape.
Citizens of Malay, Indian, Javanese, Bengalese and Arabian origins were also sold into slavery during this time, and these slaves and sultans started the first Muslim communities in the Cape.
It was only during the British occupation that the first Mosque was permitted.
The declaration together with the list of shrines (kramats) and their locations can be downloaded here.