Musoma Jamatkhana: A brief history
Recently an email had been sent out to all Musomians, requesting information, anecdotes, memories, stories, connected to and surrounding the origins and construction of the Jamatkhana in Musoma.
Mr Diamond Esmail, closely connected to the Musoma Jamatkhana, was the first and only Musomian to respond with a brief history into how the Musoma Jamatkhana came into being. His response received by email of March 13, 2007, is posted below.
It makes for some interesting reading and provides an insight into a bit of Musoma history.
I would like to throw some light into the background of how and when was Musoma Jamatkhana construction work carried out.
In 1937 Mukhi Kurji Rajan, Popat Premji, Hasam Kassam and my dad Gulamhussein Esmail were appointed on JamatKhana Committee by Mwanza Ismailia Council. One of their mandates was to acquire a plot for building new JamatKhana. My father was assigned the task of looking for a suitable site. After trying for numerous sites(about 15) a plot by the Lake Shore was bought in 1962.
The foundation lay-out ceremony was carried out by the Regional Commissioner Mr. Wambura.My father was involved in all the phases of construction from Architectural drawings to approvals of plans with the Government Agencies (i.e. Municipal & Regional) to painting and fencing off JamatKhana.
With Mohamed Alibhai (Mohamed Soda), my father oversaw the project everyday for one and half years. The JamatKhana was opened in 1964.
Diamond Esmail, Senior Systems Consultant
Canada
I would request Mr Esmail to share, if possible and convenient, some pictures during the opening and various aspects of the construction.
Musomians may add their memories, anecdotes, stories about the Musoma Jamatkhana below in the comments section.
Asalaam a Lakum
My father Abdul Khalil,collected the car (Mercedes Benz )which was used to chauffer, the Aga Khan, when he visited Musoma circa 1966/67, I was about 9/10 years old then.Sadly, my father passed away in 2002 (Allah rest his soul), so my memories are only those that I can remember. I am sure there are people out there who can remember him and that particular day when the AGA KHAN came to town.
Mr Esmail I am very much interested in the History and the People of Musoma & Jamat Khana. Can you please contact me via email.
Thank You
Anar
Yam Anar,
pls email me and i can sen you picturesof musoma jk
Foundation of Musoma jk was laid on July 1963 and J.k opened in October 1964