Religious / Spiritual OVERVIEW

Christianity and Islam are the two main religions manifested in the form of tangible heritage on Robben Island. It is assumed that the first explorers to set foot on the Island would have been Christians. In addition, Robben Island has contributed significantly to the establishment of Islam in the Cape. Islam was introduced to the Island during the 1600’s with the incarceration of East Indian Muslim leaders and other prominent Muslim persons opposed to Dutch colonisation and expansion. Christianity, the dominant religion of the Dutch and British settlers including those placed on Robben Island, showed its prominence in Island life and is associated with the its General Infirmary period.