History of Muslims in the NT
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![makassan perahu]()
1450 C.E. - 1200 C.E.
The Makassan Traders
Makassan Muslim traders from Sulawesi visited northern Australia, trading with Aboriginal people for trepang well before European settlers.
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![A historical illustration titled 'Captain Cook's Landing at Botany, A.D. 1770.' shows Captain Cook and crew in a boat near the shoreline of a rocky coastline with cliffs, trees, and indigenous people on the shore, some waving and others on horseback.]()
29 April, 1770
Arrival of Captain Cook
Captain James Cook and his crew on the HMB Endeavour arrived at Botany Bay, marking the first recorded European landing on Australia's east coast and the start of British colonial state in Australia.
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![Afghan Cameleers. A photograph of a camel caravan, with several camels loaded with packs walking in a line across a flat landscape. A person, possibly a guide, stands beside the first camel. The caption below reads "A N. T. Camel Team."]()
Circa 1860 - 1930
The Afghan Camaleers
The Afghan cameleers, arrived in Australia from the late 19th century, playing a vital role in opening up the arid interior by providing transport and expertise.
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![Alice Springs Mosque]()
Circa late 1800’s
Alice Springs Mosque
The mosque, originally built by Afghan immigrants in Australia in late 1800s, closed during World War II and rebuilt in 1993.
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![Darwin Islamic Centre]()
1971
Islamic Society of Darwin (ISD)
Formerly known as Islamic Society of Northern Territory (ISNT)In February 1978, the ISNT acquired 1.2 acres of land in Wanguri. Later mosque was constructed.
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![Sign for Afghan Mosque operated by Alice Springs Islamic Society next to a brick mosque building, with trees and blue sky in the background.]()
1980
Alice Springs Islamic Society (ASIS)
Alice Springs mosque built and the formation of the ASIC by the help of ISD members
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![Logo of the Islamic Council of Northern Territory Inc, featuring a mosque silhouette, a crescent moon, and the abbreviation 'ICNT' with the full name below.]()
2002
Islamic Council of Northern Territory (ICNT)
A subsidiary of the AFIC, operating in the NT advocating for AFIC associated Islamic communities in the NT.
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![Palmerston Islamic Centre]()
2002
Islamic Society of Palmerston (ISP)
Established in 2002 catering to increasing Muslim population in the Palmerston region. Currently under construction for expansion.
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![Logo of the CDU MSA with a geometric design at the top, divided into blue and red sections, with the acronym in bold white letters.]()
2016
Charles Darwin University Muslim Student Association (CDUMSA)
Formerly known as CDUMSSEstablish to serve the CDU Muslim students. Currently operating under the SAAF Scheme.
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![UMNT Darwin Musallah. Jumu'ah Friday Sermon. Group of people sitting on the carpeted floor of a prayer room, attentively listening to a speaker at a podium at the front. The room has white walls, tall ceilings, and windows letting in natural light.]()
2019
UMNT Inc.
And establishment of Darwin CBD MusallaThis Independant body established in 2019 catering for services in the NT
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![Katherine Musallah]()
2021
Katherine Musalla
Established by UMNT for the use of the Katherine community. Now operating independently.
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![Sign for Australian International Islamic College Darwin Campus with flags in the background and cloudy sky]()
2022
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![Sign for the National Zakat Foundation Australia with website and phone number, and storefront window showing cars and mannequins inside. NZF Zikkies]()
2023
National Zakat Foundation Zikkies
Zikkies Community Centre with NZF office and Op shop. Ceased operations in 2024
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![Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and the Islamic Council of Northern Territory Darwin CBD Musallah.]()
2025
ICNT and AFIC Darwin CBD Musalla
Our Part In Australia’s Forgotten Muslim Legacy
Sheikh Mohammad Azhari