Bo-Kaap

Our first stop in Cape Town was Bo-Kaap. It was originally called the Malay Quarter. Because of Cape Town's economic development and expansion in recent years, property in Bo-Kaap is becoming very sought after. The colors, cobble-streets, location, and unique architecture is very attracting. The Nural Islam Mosque is located in this area and was established in 1844. 

We stopped and asked two older Muslim men on the corner if we were allowed to go into the Mosque. They said we were not because we were not properly covered. However, they seemed to indicate it was a possibility if we dressed properly, but now was not a good time. For some reason it struck me as strange the way they said now was not a good time. Quickly, I found out why. A large group of men start to emerge from around the corner. The men on the corner informed us a funeral procession was coming our way. That is when I noticed a dark green casket in the crowd. One of the men specifically said, and almost encouraged me to take pictures. He said it was completely fine, and then he and the other man headed for the crowd without another word. Men started emerging from homes and corners. Soon an enormous group was walking with the casket into the mosque. This literally happened right in front of our eyes.

As soon as they went in the doors of the mosque closed, and things were quiet. We stood, watching what had just happened in front of us. That is when we met a woman who is a private tour guide. She was taking a man on a tour an he was off taking pictures somewhere while she waited for him. She told us that in their culture, only men are allowed to go to the funeral (and sometimes boys ages 7 and older). She also said they have to bury the body before sunset, so the person most likely died the night before or that morning. She said the funeral could take a few minutes to a few hours. We chatted with her for about 5 - 10 minutes, and as we were leaving the mosque doors opened and everyone started to emerge. The first two pictures are the men taking the casket into the mosque. The third, and last picture, is when they are all exiting after only a few minutes. They continued to carry the casket until we lost sight of them. I found it to be an incredibly interesting experience. 

I love the first picture I took. The men all walking up the street with the casket and colors behind them is so stunning to me. Especially because this was the last thing I was expecting to see in Cape Town yesterday. Very interesting experience.