At A Glance: Bo-Kaap
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AT A GLANCE
BO-KAAP
The Bo-Kaap ("above the Cape" in Afrikaans) is an area of Cape Town, formerly known as the Malay Quarter. Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city center it is a historical center of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. The Nurul Islam Mosque, established in 1844, is located in the area.
Bo-Kaap is known for its brightly coloured homes and cobblestoned streets. The area is traditionally a multicultural neighbourhood. According to the South African Heritage Resources Agency, the area contains the largest concentration of pre-1850 architecture in South Africa and is the oldest surviving residential neighbourhood in Cape Town.
In 1760 Jan de Waal bought a block of land at the foot of Signal Hill, between Dorp and Wale Streets. A year later he obtained an adjacent parcel, extending his holding to Rose/Chiappini/Shortmarket Street. Starting in 1763, de Waal built several small "huurhuisjes" (rental houses) on this land, which he leased.
Between 1790 and 1825 more housing in both the Cape Dutch and Cape Georgian styles were built for the expanding population of tradesmen, craftsmen, and artisans. In 1834, developers started constructing numerous rows of narrow, deep "huurhuisjes".
The brightly coloured facades are attributed to an expression of freedom by the new homeowners.
Preservation of the area began in 1943 when 15 houses were restored by a group of prominent citizens, with the support of the Historical Monuments Commission. In 1966 a portion of the area was designated as a National Monument. From 1971 the City Council began restoring houses and streetscapes, with 48 units completed by 1975.
In May 2019, 19 sites in the Bo-Kaap area were declared National Heritage Sites by the South African Minister of Arts and Culture. The announcement followed the City of Cape Town's council's March 2019 approval of the inclusion of the Bo-Kaap area in a Heritage Protection Overlay Zone (HPOZ), which incorporated around 600 privately-owned homes.
As a result of Cape Town's economic development and expansion, property in the Bo-Kaap has become very sought after, not only for its location but also for its picturesque cobble-streets and unique architecture. Its proximity to the city and access to public transport has added to the area's desirability.
Author: LRE Media