Central Islamic Mosque, Adelaide

The Central Islamic Mosque in Adelaide, also known as the Adelaide City Mosque or Adelaide Mosque, is a historic and significant religious site in South Australia. Established between 1888 and 1889, it holds the distinction of being the oldest permanent mosque in Australia and the first to be built in an Australian city. The mosque, located on Little Gilbert Street in the southwest corner of Adelaide's city center, was originally constructed to serve the spiritual needs of Muslim cameleers and traders, often referred to as "Afghan" cameleers, who worked in South Australia's northern regions.

The mosque's origins trace back to Hadji Mullah, a Tarin Afghan who arrived in South Australia around 1865 and worked with camel teams on the Overland Telegraph Line. He led efforts to establish a place of worship in Adelaide, with construction overseen by Abdul Wade, a merchant and cameleer from Afghanistan.

In 1903, four distinctive minarets were added to the mosque, enhancing its architectural significance. By this time, the mosque was surrounded by a mature garden, creating a serene environment for prayer and reflection, as noted by contemporary reports.

Over time, the mosque fell into disrepair as the original cameleers aged, and many returned home. By the early 20th century, it was neglected but revived after World War II when Muslim migrants from Europe and Indonesia, including Bosnians, restored it.

Today, the Adelaide Mosque continues to serve a diverse Muslim community, including migrants and refugees from Lebanon, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and former Yugoslav states. The mosque remains a vital center for Islamic worship in Adelaide, a testament to the enduring legacy of the early Muslim pioneers who built it over a century ago.