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Sheikh Yusuf Kramat Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Knagur Green: Due to no response from the CO after the request to maintain or replace the cache, I am archiving it to, stop it showing on the listings and/or to create place for the geocaching community

If you feel that this cache has been archived in error please feel free to contact me via message or email quoting the GC number concerned

Thank you for understanding

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Hidden : 2/5/2011
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The kramat of Sheikh Yusuf, which looks like a miniature mosque, is located on the summit of a vegetated sand dune above a small settlement in Faure. The kramat is open to all visitors and many Muslims come here on a mini-pilgrimage to pay their respects. Visitors need to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the shrine. The cache is hidden close by and can easily be retrieved.

Shaikh Yusuf was born in Macassar (now known as Indonesia - Java under the Dutch) in 1626. He was also known as Abadin Tadia Tjoessoep. He was of noble birth, a maternal nephew of King Biset of Goa. He studied in Arabia under the tutelage of several pious teachers.

When Shaikh Yusuf arrived at the Cape, on the Voetboeg, he was royally welcomed by Governor Simon van de Stel. His Indonesian background necessitated that he and his 49 followers be settled well away from Cape Town. They were housed on the farm Zandvliet, near the mouth of the Eerste River, in the general area now called Macassar. He received an allowance of 12rix dollars from the Cape authorities for support of himself and his party. At Zandvliet Shaikh Yusuf’s settlement soon became a sanctuary for fugitive slaves. It was here that the first cohesive Muslim community in S.A. was established. The first settlement of Muslims in South Africa was a vibrant one, despite its isolation. It was from here that the message of Islam was disseminated to the slave community living in Cape Town. When Shaikh Yusuf died on 23 May 1699, he was buried on the hill overlooking Macassar at Faure. A shrine was constructed over his grave. Over the years this shrine has been rebuilt and renewed. Today it remains a place of pilgrimage.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Zntargvp haqre gur yrsg uvatr bs gur jrncba

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)