Shitta Bey Camii

The Shitta Bey Mosque was constructed in 1894 in the city of Lagos, Nigeria, by the prominent businessman of the era, Muhammed Shitta Bey. This structure is distinguished by its architecture and historical significance and is also known locally as the Turkish Mosque. The fact that the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II sent a special representative to the opening ceremony demonstrates the Ottoman State’s clear support for Muslims in West Africa. Today, the building is protected by the Nigerian National Museum and Monuments Commission and is recognized as one of the country’s nine national monuments.

Architectural Features

The Shitta Bey Mosque is located on Martins Ereko Street in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial center. The architect of the mosque was Joao Baptist Da Costa, of Brazilian origin. The building was constructed based on the Afro-Brazilian architectural style and has a capacity of approximately 200 people.

The construction of the mosque coincided with the period of British colonial administration. During this time, the mosque became one of the most significant places of worship in the region, both architecturally and socially. Its opening contributed to the broader dissemination of Islam among the local population. The mosque remains open for worship today and was officially registered on 10 December 2013 by the Nigerian National Museum and Monuments Commission as one of the country’s nine national monuments.

Shitta Bey Mosque (Archnet)​

Historical Context

The construction process and opening ceremony of the mosque hold considerable importance. Muhammed Shitta wrote to the Ottoman State requesting the attendance of an official representative at the mosque’s 1894 opening ceremony, believing this would accelerate the spread of Islam in the region. This request was conveyed to Sultan Abdulhamid II through Abdullah Quilliam, president of the Liverpool Islamic Society, established in 1777. Sultan Abdulhamid II appointed Quilliam as his special envoy. Through Quilliam, Muhammed Shitta was presented by the Ottoman State with a commissioning flag, a sword, the Order of Mecidiye, and the accompanying patent. Additionally, Sultan Abdulhamid II conferred upon Muhammed Shitta the title of Bey.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the mosque took place on 3 July 1894. In addition to the Ottoman representative Abdullah Quilliam, the Governor of Lagos Sir Gilbert Carter, Christian clergy, and diplomatic representatives from various countries attended the event.

Shitta Bey Mosque (Anadolu Agencyı)

The Shitta family remains influential in Nigeria today. The family continues to use the title “Bey” as a surname. Muhammed Shitta Bey’s grandson, Alhajj Nurudeen Alamu Shitta Bey, has held the title of “7th Leader of Lagos Muslims” since 2012.

The Shitta Bey Mosque is regarded as one of the most original examples of Afro-Brazilian architecture in Nigeria and makes a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of the region from an architectural history perspective.