The Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town lies to the west of the city centre on the slops of Signal Hill. The name Bo-Kaap translates into "Above Cape". The area was previously called the ”Malay Quarter“ and used to house the many slaves brought in, mainly from Java, in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Because the Bo-Kaap was never subject to forced removals, it has retained much of its character.
It is a residential predominantly muslim area, with a number of mosques rising above the skyline. The Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town is a strong mix of people, cultures & architecture. A local treat are the daltjies, which are crispy fried balls made with spinach, pea flour & spices.
Atlas Trading Store |
A Cape culinary treasure (the Bo-Kaap's answer to an Indian spice bazaar). |
Biesmiellah restaurant |
Serves Malay food. |
BoKaap museum |
71 Wale Street. Showcases the BoKaap community through a display of photographs & artifacts. The actual house dates back to the 1760s. |
After Act of Parliament abolished slavery in 1834, many of the emancipated muslim slaves settled in the Bo-Kaap area to form a tight-knit community.
A major threat to the existing Bo-Kaap culture is that the area is going through a process of gentrification, with yuppies move in to take advantage of the sea & city views.
Don't explore the Bo-Kaap area on your own.