The demolition of a 200-year-old mosque in Tanzania sparks debate

By Lulu Angelo SangaDAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AA) – A nearly 200-year-old mosque in Mbalizi in Tanzania’s southwestern Mbeya region is set to be demolished to make way for a new road, sparking a mix of support and opposition within the local community.

Known as Msikiti Mkongwe (Old Mosque), the mosque was originally built around 1826 out of grass and later reconstructed out of bricks. The building was renovated in 1915, 1950 and 1956 and remains a house of worship and a significant historical landmark that connects generations.

The demolition is part of the Mbalizi-Makongolosi road project, which aims to improve transport infrastructure in the area.

Although the mosque continues to be used, the local Islamic community has decided not to oppose its demolition. Ustadh Juma Masoud Kassim, the mosque’s secretary, told Anadolu that they understood the need for the government’s plans. In anticipation, a new mosque is already being built next to the Old Mosque.

While some residents support the infrastructure improvements, others believe the mosque should be preserved as a historic site.

“Without this development we would have preserved the mosque for future generations. However, when the government’s road expansion plan revealed that half of the Old Mosque falls within the reserved area, the Islamic community decided not to oppose it as the road benefits both Islamic and non-Islamic people,” Kassim said. “We have started building a new mosque and hope it will be finished before demolition.”

Kassim also pointed out that the new mosque will be financed entirely by donations from believers and community members, without any financial support from the government.

“We are making slow progress. There is no financial support from the government, only sadaqa (charitable donations) and materials such as cement from community members,” he added.

The decision to demolish the Old Mosque has sparked mixed reactions from the community. Some residents, like Twaha, believe the mosque should be preserved. “The road should be designed to preserve the mosque,” ​​he told Anadolu.

Others, like Kassim Madodi, a regular visitor to the mosque, agreed with the situation. “This mosque has been around since the days of our parents and ancestors, but development comes at a cost,” he said.

Chunya District Commissioner Mbaraka Batenga, speaking at regional Maulid celebrations on Sunday, acknowledged the historical significance of the mosque but stressed the need for the road project.

“The mosque has a rich history but it is being demolished to allow for road construction,” Batenga said.

The Old Mosque is believed to be one of the earliest in the Mbeya region and dates back to the colonial period.