Robben Island, which lies off the coast of Cape Town, is probably best known as a prison and was first used as such in the 17th century for the isolation of mainly political prisoners by the Dutch. A whaling station was built on the island in 1806 by Scottish whaler James Murray. The island has also been used as a leper colony and an animal quarantine station.
From 1961, Robben Island was used by the South African government as a prison for political prisoners and convicted criminals. In 1969 the Moturu Kramat, which is now a sacred site for Muslim pilgrimage on Robben Island, was built to commemorate Sayed Abdurahman Moturu, one of Cape Town's first imams, who was exiled to the island in the mid-1740s. He died there in 1754.
From 1961, Robben Island was used by the South African government as a prison for political prisoners and convicted criminals. In 1969 the Moturu Kramat, which is now a sacred site for Muslim pilgrimage on Robben Island, was built to commemorate Sayed Abdurahman Moturu, one of Cape Town's first imams, who was exiled to the island in the mid-1740s. He died there in 1754.
With the end of apartheid, the island has become a popular destination with global tourists. In 1999 the island was declared a World Heritage Site. Every year thousands of visitors take the ferry from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town for tours of the island and its former prison. Many of the guides are former prisoners.
Read more fascinating facts about Robben Island here
Read more fascinating facts about Robben Island here
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Other prints and a range of lifestyle products are available from Fine Art America - worldwide shipping available.