History

The long and narrow strip of land lying between Sahyadari Range of mountains (called The Western Ghat) and Indian Ocean in the State of Maharashtra, India is the Kokan Region ( also pronounced as Konkan). It extends from southern boundary of State of Gujarat to northern boundary of State of Goa. The native people of this region are accordingly called Koknis, and the language they speak is called Kokni, with its varying dialect across the region. The people of the similar coastal strip of Goa State and Karnataka State (Bhatkal and Karwar district) also speak a dialect of Kokni language. This Kokan Region is comprised of Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban District, district of Thane ( now split into Thane and Palghar), Raigad (earlier Kolaba), Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg

Today’s Mumbai (earlier Bombay), a city of International repute , enjoys its importance as an all weather natural sea port on the west coast of India. It is at this port European Trade delegation first landed on Indian soil during Mogul Era. The British constructed the imposing Gateway of India a structure in stone, at Apollo Bunder seafront in 1924 to commemorate the arrival of their King George V and Queen Mary in India through this port in 1911.

Mumbai had a small population of native people before the city gradually developed into a financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India, It attracted people from all parts of India, It is the most cosmopolitan city of India with its population representing people from all the other states of India. Its present population is estimated to be around 12 million (1.2 crore) which is highly disproportionate to its small land area of 437 sq. km.( about 27000 person per sq. km area). Among this teeming population of 12 millions, there lives a community, known as Kokni Muslims of Mumbai numbering around 15,000. They are natives of Mumbai, as their ancestors were born here. They are commonly known as Juma Masjid Kokni Muslims for the reason that the control and administration of Juma Masjid Trust was entrusted to this community by an order passed in 1934 by H’ble High Court at Mumbai,which framed an scheme for the management of Juma Masjid Trust

This is the largest mosque in Mumbai . The structure is an architectural marvel, with beautiful interior. Recently it has been renovated and restored to its old glory preserving its heritage status. Its administration and control is with the Trustees elected by members of Kokni Muslim Jamat .
Photograph taken at 6.45 a.m. around sunrise, on the day of Eid-ul-Adha (15th, October 2014)

Courtsey: Abdul Wadood Murshedkar

It is commonly known as Chakala Furniture Bazar Shafi Mosque. It was constructed by the distinguished Jitekar family of Mumbai Kokni Muslim community & is under their management. The mosque is now under total reconstruction & will come up with a new structure. When ready, its photographs will be posted on the web site. The photograph is provided by Mr. Ibrahim Jitekar.

Bhindi bazaar is densely populated area in , Central Mumbai. Surrounded by a number of commercial centres & wholesale markets. The area is famous for Ramadhan month. It wears a festive look specially during the last ten days . Muslim families from nearby township descend in this area for festval purchase & also to enjoy food delicacies specially available in the month of Ramadhan. The mosque is a well known landmark. Its administration & control is with the Trustees elected by members of local Kokni Muslim Jamat .
Photograph courtsey : Mohammad Shoeb Paloba

Bapu Khote Street, near metal market known as Jamli Mohalla. This mosque has four marble plaques called Kutbas , with couplets in URDU & PERSIAN language stating date of construction & quoting the name of Late philanthrophist Moahmmad Ali Roghay who contributed for its construction. It has a beautifully carved palpit & mehraab (Imaam’s standing place). Its administration & control is with members of local Kokni Muslim Jamat.

Photograph courtsey : Mohammad Shoeb Paloba

This mosque is situated amidst the shops dealing with antique articles, furniture etc, in the famous market known as CHOR BAZAAR. The Bazar is very popular with foreign tourist. Its administration & control is with the members of local Kokni Muslim Jamat.

Photograph courtsey : Mr. Bashir Tungekar & Abdul Hamid Murshedkar

This street is also known as Chowki Mohalla .Earlier a large number of Mumbai Kokni families were residing there. At one end of the street is well known Basket all Court of Mastan Talao, where many muslim boys received coaching & became players of state & national level. The area is commonly known as Nagpada. The mosque administration & control is with the members of local Kokni Muslim Jamat .

Photograph courtsey : Abdul Hamid Murshedkar

This mosque is situated amidst the shops dealing with antique articles, furniture etc, in the famous market known as CHOR BAZAAR. The Bazar is very popular with foreign tourist. Its administration & control is with the members of local Kokni Muslim Jamat.

Photograph courtsey : Mr. Bashir Tungekar & Abdul Hamid Murshedkar

This mosque is in the Nakhuda Street a street named after Late Nakhuda Mohammad Ali Roghay. This street is off Mohammad Ali Road opposite Noor Hospital. The mosque is adjacent to “Roghay House” , a sprawling two storeyed residence of Roghay family since decades. This mosque is constructed By Late Nakhuda Roghay & is managed by the Roghay Family.

Erskin Road, famous Null Bazar Market . Its administration & control is with members of local Kokni Muslim Jamat .

Mahim area is known for the tomb of saint Shaikh Makhdoom. The mosque & the tomb are side by side. Its administration & control is with the members of local Kokni Muslim Jamat

Erskin Road, famous Null Bazar Market . Its administration & control is with members of local Kokni Muslim Jamat .

Photograph: courtsey : Mohammad Shoeb Paloba