Who built the Missiri Mosque in Fréjus and why?

The Missiri Mosque was built on the initiative of Captain Abdel Kader Mademba in 1928, as a replica of a traditional African missiri temple. Senegalese snipers constructed it during the colonial era when a training center housed soldiers from Asia and Africa in Fréjus, completing the project in 1930.

What makes the Fréjus Missiri Mosque different from the original?

Unlike the original missiri temples made of mud, the Fréjus version was constructed from concrete and covered with Provençal ochre, a local dye characteristic to the region. This modern adaptation allowed it to serve as a lasting monument rather than requiring traditional mud-based maintenance.

Who owns the Missiri Mosque today and can you visit it?

The Missiri Mosque is owned by the French Ministry of Defense and is part of the Navy Museum in Fréjus. As a striking monument, it remains accessible to visitors interested in colonial history and military heritage.

What is the significance of the Missiri Mosque in Fréjus's history?

The mosque stands as a testament to the colonial era when Fréjus served as a training center for soldiers from Asia and Africa, particularly Senegalese soldiers. It represents a unique cultural and spiritual landmark built by these troops and reflects the multicultural military history of early 20th century France.

Is there anything else to see at the Navy Museum in Fréjus besides the Missiri Mosque?

Yes, the Navy Museum in Fréjus also features the Buddhist pagoda of Hông Hiên, which was built by French soldiers in Indochina in 1917 as a spiritual refuge for Vietnamese soldiers who fought alongside the French during World War I. Together, these two structures represent the diverse religious and cultural heritage preserved at the museum.

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Missiri Mosque

Name: Missiri Mosque
Rating: 4.1

112 Rue du Malbousquet, 83600 Fréjus, Francia• ★★★★☆• 103 views

Chiara Soriano

Fréjus

About Missiri Mosque

During the colonial era, a training center was established in Fréjus to house soldiers from Asia and Africa. The idea of recreating a missiri, a type of religious temple, was an initiative of Captain Abdel Kader Mademba in 1928.Senegalese snipers built this replica, but unlike the original made of mud, this one was made of concrete and covered with Provençal ochre, a local dye. Completed in 1930, the building served as a place of worship and today is a striking monument owned by the French Ministry of Defense and belongs to the Navy Museum in Fréjus.Prior to the construction of this temple, French soldiers in Indochina built the Buddhist pagoda of Hông Hiên, a spiritual refuge for the Vietnamese who fought alongside the French during World War I in 1917.