mosques in goa
The history of Goa narrates the conquest of Goa by Muslims in 1312 . Though they were toppled by the Vijayanagar King in 1370, but they returned back again with the conquest of Yusuf Adil Shah.
Though Muslims form a minority community in Goa, but there are many well known place of worship for them. There are 26 mosques in Goa . The mosques of Goa have typical Muslim architecture with domes and towers around the mosques.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is located at Sanguem, 25 km Margao. It was renovated fully in 1959. The new structure spells perfect synchronization in proportions along with aesthetic look. You will find here two elegant turrets flanking the exterior of the mosque. And there are four beautiful "minars" surrounding the Jama Masjid . The dome of the mosque rises beautifully between this adding symmetry to the whole structure. The Muslim festivals are celebrated here with much fervor and enthusiasm.
Safa Shahouri Masjid
The Safa Shahour i Masjid is situated in the city of Ponda . The biggest and the most well known mosques in Goa, it was built by Ibrahim Adilshan of Bijapur in 1560. You will find adjacent to the mosque a well-constructed tank called Hammam with beautifully created chambers. This tank was designed in Meharab style . It is said that this Safa Masjid was surrounded by beautiful garden with a number of fountains in it. But all this was destroyed during the Portuguese rule.
The two main Muslims festivals of Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Zuha are celebrated with much fan fare.
