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Inside historic Kowloon mosque, the biggest in Hong Kong, where Muslims from all over pray

  • A Tsim Sha Tsui landmark, the Kowloon mosque hosts Muslim men – and women – from many different countries for prayer and study

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The Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood, where Muslims from around the world come together to pray and study. Photo: James Wendlinger

Most Hongkongers will have seen it, but far fewer will have ventured inside. Out of the five main mosques in Hong Kong, the Kowloon Masjid – masjid meaning “mosque” in Arabic – is the largest in the city and the oldest in Kowloon.

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Thousands of people pass it every day, given its prime location outside Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station’s A1 exit.

The neighbourhood is a must-visit area for tourists, where they can shop, dine and catch an amazing view of Victoria Harbour. For locals, it is a popular meeting place.

People do not notice the mosque just because of where it is. The large white square edifice features arabesque window decorations on all sides, making it instantly stand out from its surroundings.

Male attendees during Friday prayers at the Kowloon Masjid in Tsim Sha Tsui, in May, 2024. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Male attendees during Friday prayers at the Kowloon Masjid in Tsim Sha Tsui, in May, 2024. Photo: Jonathan Wong

A pointed dome protrudes from the centre of the structure’s roof, while minarets rise 11 metres (36 feet) from each of its four corners.

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