London’s oldest mosque marks 100 years since opening
Fazl Mosque in south London is marking the centenary of its opening, an event reported by the Guardian 100 years ago. The white mosque, set among flower gardens, drew about 600 eminent guests to its ceremony, where its large black doors were opened with a silver key. The building was later used as an air raid shelter during the war.
Fazl Mosque in south London is celebrating 100 years since its opening. The Guardian reported the original ceremony a century ago, describing the building as London’s first mosque and noting its setting among flower gardens in a south London suburb.
The contemporary report portrayed the mosque as an unusual presence in its surroundings and called it “a thing of beauty.” About 600 eminent guests attended the grand opening, according to the supplied account.
The ceremony included the opening of the mosque’s large black doors with a silver key. The building’s history also includes its use as an air raid shelter during the war, although the supplied account does not specify which war or when the shelter was used.
The centenary marks the anniversary of an opening that was connected in the source account to a pivotal moment in world history. No further details about the anniversary events, attendees or planned activities are provided.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
How has the mosque’s role in its local community changed since its opening?
Which groups were represented among the guests at the original ceremony?
What circumstances led to the mosque being used as an air raid shelter?
How did the mosque’s presence affect perceptions of the surrounding suburb?
What future plans, if any, have been announced for the centenary celebrations?
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026