A symphony of red and white greets you. This is the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. It’s also known as the Red Mosque. A striking landmark in Colombo’s Pettah district.
The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a piece of history. Built between 1908 and 1909. It serves the local Indian Muslim community. They needed a place for their daily prayers. Especially the important Jummah prayers on Fridays.
The mosque’s architect was Habibu Lebbe Saibu Lebbe. He was an unlettered architect. He relied on images of Indo-Saracenic structures. South Indian traders provided these images. The mosque’s design is a fascinating blend. It combines Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture. It also incorporates Gothic revival and Neo-classical styles. It’s a truly unique creation.
Originally the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque held 1500 worshippers. Around 500 attended prayers back then. The mosque is a candy-striped two-story building. It has a distinctive red and white color scheme. It’s also topped with a clock tower. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is reminiscent of the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur. That mosque was constructed in 1910. Some say sailors used the mosque as a landmark. This was before other tall buildings in Colombo appeared.
In 1975 the mosque underwent expansion. The Haji Omar Trust helped with this. The expansion increased capacity to 10000 worshippers. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque remains a popular tourist attraction in Colombo. It’s a beautiful and historically significant place. A true testament to the blending of cultures and architectural styles. It stands as a symbol of Colombo’s rich and diverse history. A true architectural masterpiece. Its beauty is undeniable. Its story unfolds before your eyes. A story of faith and community. A story etched in red and white. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. A must-see for any visitor to Colombo.