1. The Establishment of Islam in Australia
© Karen Devine 2008

2. Muslims before 1788
There was a Muslim presence in Australia prior to European settlement in 1788.
This is evidenced through the Muslim motifs in Aboriginal cave paintings.

3. Evidence of Muslim Settlement
Furthermore, there is evidence of Muslim graves facing Mecca in North Western Australia.

4. Camel Drivers
More Muslims came to Australia as Afghan and Pakistani camel drivers in the 1860’s.

5. The Burke and Wills Expedition
Their skills opened up the Australian continent to further exploration.
These camel drivers were integral in the Burke and Wills expedition.

6. The Ghans
The “Ghans” built the first mosques at the turn of the 20th Century.
A South Australian mosque was built in 1895.

7. Muslim men and women
The Afghan Muslim men were not permitted to bring women from their homelands.
Many married Australian women, some of whom converted to Islam.
However, their children became quickly assimilated into the dominant Christian culture.

8. Departure of the Muslims
The Muslim population did not thrive in Australia and many returned to their homelands between 1900 and 1933.

9. Question Time
Why do you think the Muslim population did not thrive in Australia?