Calcutta #1 ASJA Masjid

The Calcutta Masjid in Freeport is one of the oldest mosques in T&T.

The masjid was built on state lands in 1863 by Dookie Meah, who was one of the first immigrants to arrive from India on the Fatel Razack in 1845. With the label ‘Labourer #6’ on his back, Meah worked in the cane fields with the hope that, after his five year indentureship, he would either return to Mother India or receive a piece a land of his own to build a life in his new-found home.

Meah received his portion of land in Calcutta Village, Freeport, and immediately began building the mosque for the small Muslim population in his community. He petitioned the then Governor Lord Harris for a tax exemption, which was granted in 1868 and is still honoured by the government to this day.

Today, the masjid is a rich symbol of Indo-Trinidadian history where Muslims continue to cultivate and celebrate their spiritual beliefs.