Tsingoni Mosque in Mayotte dates back to the 12th century

Archaeological excavations conducted by the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) in Tsingoni, Mayotte, have revealed that the region's historic mosque is older than previously believed. Carbon-14 dating indicates that parts of the site date back to the late 12th or early 13th century.

The primitive structure followed a Swahili architectural model, consisting of a single room built from local materials such as beach sand, coral, and basalt, without a minaret. This style is comparable to ancient mosques found along the East African coast.

The mosque underwent significant transformations starting in the 16th century when Tsingoni became the capital of the Sultanate of Mayotte. During this period, lateral wings were added, and the mihrab—a decorative niche dating to 1538—was installed. The site is considered the oldest mosque in France still in active use, providing evidence of a long-standing Islamic presence in the archipelago that predates its connection to France.