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For hundreds of years the neighbouring port cities of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara linked Africa to the rest of the Islamic world. A famous 14th century traveller once even described Kilwa as one of the most beautiful and elegantly built cities he had ever seen.
The Great Mosque was probably built in the 10th century. It’s made of coral stone blocks that have been plastered with lime mortar.
A prayer hall was added around the 11-12th centuries and the southern part was extended in the 14th century.
The mosque has a unique plan with sixteen domed and vaulted bays.
The largest of its domes was added in the 13th century. Until the 19th century this was the largest dome in East Africa.
In 1981, it was recognized as an important historical site and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of only 7 places in Tanzania with this title.
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