The Missiri Mosque: an emblematic building in the history of Fréjus

The Missiri Mosque is located on the outskirts of Fréjus, in the Caïs military camp. It is an unusual monument, unique in France.

Built in 1930, it embodies a unique architectural and historical heritage. This place bears witness to the history of French colonial troops, particularly Senegalese riflemen.

Now decommissioned, the mosque was designed to break the isolation of soldiers from Africa. They found there a spiritual and cultural setting evoking their native land.

Missiri Mosque Frejus

The birth of the mosque: a place of worship inspired by African traditions

The mosque project was born in 1928, at the initiative of Captain Abdel Kader Mademba, supported by Colonel Lame.

They want to build a place of worship similar to the Hong Hien Tu pagoda, built for the Indochinese riflemen. These soldiers, many of whom serve under the French flag, need a space that reminds them of their culture and faith, far from home.

Inaugurated in 1930, the Missiri Mosque is inspired by the great mosque of Djenné, in Mali. It pays homage to the traditional mosques of West Africa.

Its architecture uses earth and wood, but it is adapted here in cement covered with ochre to withstand the European climate. The structure is square, with corner towers decorated with reinforced concrete points, imitating wooden beams.

Inside, the planned murals remained unfinished. However, they are a testament to the ambition of the project.

It is topped with a terrace accessible by an external staircase, in a style very typical of Sudanese architecture. 

Ua place of memory

Missiri for the Senegalese riflemen

The initial aim was to recreate a peaceful space for Senegalese riflemen, a “place for meeting and talking”.

There they could find the atmosphere of their villages, far from war and solitude.

The site also included buildings such as African huts and reconstructed termite mounds, symbolizing daily African life.

This atmosphere was intended to alleviate homesickness, a feeling of loss and exile felt by the soldiers.

Although the mosque was used for prayers, it was never a conventional place of worship.

The roof disappeared and the frescoes remained unfinished.

Today, listed in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments since 1987, the Missiri mosque is more of a monument than a place of prayer.

It bears witness to a bygone era and recalls the decisive role played by these soldiers, particularly during the Second World War.

The Missiri Mosque is a place of memory, a monument of fraternity and respect for faith, but also a symbol of integration and shared history between France and its former colonies. Today, owned by the Ministry of Defense, it is managed by the Fréjus Marine Troops Museum, which ensures its preservation and the transmission of its history.

This fascinating monument, like a mirage in the Var landscape, still stands in its emblematic form, colored with its red ochre, and continues to remind those who venture there of the complex and poignant history of the soldiers of Africa, their contribution to France, and the legacy left in the south of the country.

Missiri Mosque: a jewel awaiting rebirth

A major restoration campaign is planned between January and October 2025. It will address the structural problems of the building, such as cracked facades and damaged coatings, while enhancing the entire site.

The project will take place in two phases:

            •          Phase 1 : Renovation of the facade and roof, as well as an improvement in rainwater management.

            •          Phase 2 : Restoration of the decor and landscaping of the surroundings to enrich the visitor experience.

These works aim not only to preserve this emblematic building, but also to allow a better understanding of its history and its role in collective memory.

You will be able to follow each step of this transformation on our social networks and on our website. A little more patience: soon, the Missiri Mosque will regain all its splendor, ready to reveal its renewed brilliance.

Currently, the Missiri Mosque is not open to visitors, but it is possible to admire its architecture from the outside, walking along the monument. Visitors can thus appreciate the details of its structure and architectural elements.

Missiri is located in the Caïs district of Fréjus. You can easily reach it by car or on foot. By car, there are parking spaces nearby.

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