Mehfil-e-Abbas & Taziya Khana

The original Swahili name of the area where the Mehfil-E-Abbas (as) is located (House No.1502) then was known as “MUAFI” which extended on the north as far as ‘Ibadhi Mosque’ including Ismailia Jamatkhana whereas on the south extended upto Patwa House inclusive of Mwinyi Mkuu Mosque opposite former Spice Inn Hotel and at the west upto Jani Building.

During the 19th century, there may have been a concentration of beads shops (Shonga in Kiswahili) in this area and began to be called “Changaa Bazaar”. In 1870’s when a rich merchant “Tharia Topan” build his house what is now Emerson Spice Hotel (formerly ‘Spice Inn’). Later on, Tharia Topan was knighted by Queen Victoria, and in his honour this street was renamed ‘Sir Tharia Topan Street’. In kiswahili it was, and is still often called “Baraza Tharia”.

Establishment: Unfortunately, it has not been able to find out exactly when and by whom this house no.1502 and neighbourhood block were built. The only records available is upto the year 1912 which reveals that one Ibrahim Remtulla – an Ismailia Khoja has owned a block of house no.1502 to 1507 inclusive. In 1912, the whole block was purchased by late Mohammed Valli Dharsi.

It is Mohammed Valli Dharsi who established Mehfile Abbas on the upper floor in 1913 and reserved the ground floor consisting of two godowns to yield rental income whereby sustainability of the Mehfile situated at upper floor. The two godowns due to non-licencing of a business licence, these were vacated hence income was ceased.

The change of ownership of Mehfile Abbas did not alter the usage and Babu Saleh continues to maintain Mehfil Abbas which continues to date. He even created a Wakf Trust Deed and vested into Kuwwat Jamat, directing day to day affairs such as cleaning arrangements and majlises.

In 2023-2024, the KSIKJ committee decided to open up the Mehfile Abbas project once again, with support of donors, Mehfile Abbas went through series of renovation and cosmetic changes to better suit the community due to lack of facilities (i.e. washrooms, AC unit etc). It is Centennial Mehfile which was celebrated on 22nd June, 2024 welcoming back the community members in the premises.

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