Mosquée de Tsingoni

The Mosquée de Tsingoni is a mosque on Mayotte built from coral stone with flat roofing designed to collect rainwater for practical use. A minaret was added later and now defines its appearance from a distance.

Built in 1538 under Sultan Ali ben Mohamed's direction, this mosque shows a long tradition of religious practice at the site. Archaeological finds suggest that worship activities were happening here as far back as the 1300s.

The mosque blends Swahili building traditions with Islamic design, showing how different cultures have shaped architecture in this part of the Indian Ocean. You can see this mix in the way the space is organized and decorated.

The mosque follows prayer times that shape when visitors can enter, so it's helpful to check timing in advance. Showing respect for active worship is important when planning your visit.

The mihrab showing the direction toward Mecca is one of the oldest preserved Islamic architectural features in French territory. This detail from the 1500s draws particular attention from scholars studying Islamic buildings in the region.