SAEDMEWS: A Look at Kobe Mosque, Japan’s Historic Mosque
According to Saednews, We are pleased to present Kobe Mosque in Japan to our dear readers and valued visitors of Delgarm Magazine. Stay with us as we explore this historic landmark.
Kobe Mosque (Japanese: 神戸モスク), located in Kobe, is the first mosque ever built in Japan.
Constructed in 1935? No — the mosque was built in 1928 in Nakayamate-dori, Chuo Ward, Kobe. The name Kobe means “God’s Gate.” The mosque was designed in a traditional Indian architectural style by Czech architect Jan Josef Švagr.
During World War II, the American air raids caused extensive damage and destruction in Kobe.
While almost all the surrounding buildings were reduced to rubble, Kobe Mosque remained standing. Only cracks appeared in its exterior walls, and its windows were shattered.
The mosque’s exterior was blackened by the bombings. Japanese soldiers who had taken shelter in its basement survived the air raids. The mosque also became a refuge for war victims. After the war, several Islamic governments contributed funds towards its repair and restoration.
Kobe Mosque once again demonstrated its remarkable strength during another disaster.
On January 17, 1995, at 5:46 a.m., the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck Japan. Although the earthquake lasted only 20 seconds, it claimed approximately 6,433 lives, most of them residents of Kobe. Despite the widespread destruction, Kobe Mosque remained standing.
