| In line with the declared national objective of the Government of Mauritius to promote and preserve the cultural values of all sections of the population, the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC) was created in August 1987 to satisfy a long-felt need of the Muslim community in the country. Two years later the Government provided the Centre with a legal framework for its operations. The Islamic Cultural Centre Trust Fund Act was proclaimed on 15th December, 1989 and subsequently amended in 1991, 2000 and 2001 to reinforce its membership and activities.
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| The building is a worthy addition of the Islamic element to the architectural landscape of Mauritius. Equally important is the fact that this complex comes to symbolize the Muslim community’s legitimate aspiration as to the preservation of its millenarian cultural heritage and at the same time its commitment to the promotion of mutual respect, understanding and tolerance through cultural exchange, interaction and dialogue. Despite its location at the foot of the legendary ‘Citadel’, this centre should not, however, be construed as a fortress where Muslims will withdraw to coil upon themselves in an attempt to get shielded against society but, as outlined by its objectives, it is destined to become a centre of cultural and artistic excellence wherein the souls of one and sundry find enrichment and the dynamism of the Islamic genius could be brought to light.
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