Chapter 13 · 19th century – today
The Muslim community
From the late 19th century, Muslim merchants from Gujarat (India) settled on Bourbon, followed later by families from the Comoros. They founded mosques that are today among the oldest in France.
1905, the Saint-Denis mosque
Founded by Gujarati merchants, the Noor-e-Islam mosque in Saint-Denis is one of the oldest in France, 21 years older than the one in Paris.
13 mosques on the island
From Saint-Paul to Saint-Pierre by way of Le Port, every major town now has its own mosque, each with a distinct name.
A dual origin
Réunion's Muslim community is made up of both descendants of Gujarati merchants and families of Comorian origin.
Photo: Illustration created for the app · Illustration, not an authentic period photograph
Sources (2)
- Recherches historiques sur les mosquées de La Réunion
- Sites des mosquées de Saint-Paul et Saint-Pierre