Shitta Bey Camii

Shitta Bey Camii, built in 1894 by Muhammad Shitta Bey, one of the leading businessmen of the era, is located in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. This structure, also known locally as the “Turkish Mosque,” stands out for its architecture and historical significance. 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 Nigeria National Museum and Monuments Commission and is recognized as one of the country’s nine national monuments.

Shitta Bey Camii is situated on Martins Ereko Street in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial center. The mosque’s architect was Brazilian-born Joao Baptist Da Costa. 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. As one of the most significant places of worship in the region, it made important architectural and social contributions. Its opening helped spread Islam among broader segments of the local population. The mosque remains open for worship today and was officially registered as one of Nigeria’s nine national monuments by the Nigeria National Museum and Monuments Commission on 10 December 2013.

^{Shitta Bey Camii (}Archnet⁾

The construction process and opening ceremony of the mosque hold considerable importance. Muhammad Shitta wrote to the Ottoman State requesting that a representative attend the 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, Muhammad Shitta was presented by the Ottoman State with a commissioned flag, a sword, the Order of Mecidiye, and the accompanying decree. Additionally, Sultan Abdulhamid II conferred upon Muhammad Shitta the title of Bey.

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 Camii (}Anadolu Ajansı⁾

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

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