The images of a wonderful look at the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre as it appeared around the 1990s. The structure shown is the "second generation" building, which is the same one that stands today at 105 Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.
A Brief History
The history of the mosque is deeply tied to Hong Kong’s colonial and military past:
- 1896 (The Original): The first mosque was built on this site to serve Indian Muslim soldiers of the British Army (the Hong Kong Regiment) stationed at the nearby Whitfield Barracks (which is now Kowloon Park).
- The MTR Crisis (Late 1970s): During the construction of the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) underground lines, the original brick building suffered significant structural damage.
- 1984 (The Current Building): After receiving compensation from the MTR Corporation and raising funds within the community, the old mosque was demolished and replaced by the current white marble structure, which officially opened on May 11, 1984.
Architectural Features (As seen in my photos)
The mosque was designed by the renowned Indian architect I.M. Kadri. In my 1990s-era photos, you can see the key features that made it a landmark:
The Mosque in the 1990s
By the time this photo was taken in 1990, the mosque had firmly established itself as the largest mosque in Hong Kong, capable of holding about 3,500 worshippers. The first photo shows it nestled among the iconic neon signs and bustling street life of Nathan Road—a perfect example of the cultural "melting pot" that defines Hong Kong.
By 1990, there were approximately 50,000 to 60,000 Muslims in Hong Kong (a number that would nearly quadruple over the next 30 years).
Many were descendants of the original soldiers and traders from the 1800s. By the 90s, they were prominent in the civil service, police force, and the "Golden Mile" businesses around Nathan Road.
Primarily migrants from Mainland China (Canton/Guangzhou) who arrived during various political shifts in the 20th century. They were well-integrated and often led the Chinese Muslim Cultural & Fraternal Association.
The 1990s saw a massive influx of Indonesian domestic helpers. This group fundamentally changed the "face" of Islam in Hong Kong, moving it from a male-dominated military/merchant history to a community with a strong female presence.
The 1990s was a decade of institutional "coming of age" for the community. It wasn't just about prayer; the mosques became hubs for social welfare:
- Elderly and Medical Care: The United Muslim Association of Hong Kong (UMAH) became very active. In 1993, they opened the first Muslim elderly home in Tuen Mun (Haji Omar Ramju Sadick Care and Attention Home), serving both Muslims and non-Muslims.
- Education: Schools like the Islamic Kasim Tuet Memorial College provided a space where Muslim youth could receive a modern education while maintaining their religious identity through evening madrasas (religious classes).
- The "Golden Mile" Landmark: The Kowloon Mosque (as seen in your photo) served as the primary bridge between the community and the public. During this era, it was a focal point for tourists and locals curious about the "mysterious" white building on Nathan Road.
While Hong Kong was generally tolerant, the 1990s community faced the challenge of being a "minority within a minority." They worked hard to show that being Muslim and being a Hong Konger were not mutually exclusive. The community often used food (Halal Cantonese cuisine) as a bridge, and the Masjid Ammar in Wan Chai became famous for its Halal Dim Sum—a unique Hong Kong cultural fusion that peaked in popularity during this time.
The 1990s was effectively the final "Colonial" chapter for the community before the 1997 Handover, during which they secured their place as a permanent and vital part of Hong Kong's multicultural fabric.
Reference:
- Wikipedia: Islam in Hong Kong
- UMAH : United Muslim Association of Hong Kong
Compiled by:
Hj Zulheimy Maamor
23/12/2025: 10.54 p.m
No comments:
Post a Comment