Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, Colombo (must see)

Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque is easy to recognize because of its red and white striped walls. It was completed in 1909, with construction beginning in 1908, during a time when the local Muslim trading community was growing. The mosque was funded by merchants who worked nearby and needed a large place for daily prayers and Friday gatherings. Its tall structure and strong color contrast made it visible from a distance, and it once served as a visual guide for sailors approaching the port.

The building shows clear Indo-Islamic design influences. Red brick and white plaster are arranged in bold horizontal bands across the exterior. Rounded arches, small towers, and onion-shaped domes give the structure a layered and patterned look rather than flat walls. These design features also help with airflow and shade, which is useful in a hot climate and adds to the mosque’s strong visual presence.

Inside, the mood is much quieter and simpler. Large prayer halls are open and supported by rows of columns. Light enters through arched windows and openings, creating a calm atmosphere during the day. The mosque can hold several thousand worshippers, especially during Friday prayers and major religious events. Visitors may enter outside prayer times and are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes.