Massawa features remarkable Ottoman-era Islamic architecture, including the historic Sheikh Hanafi Mosque and traditional coral stone buildings that reflect centuries of Islamic influence. As a major port city on the Red Sea, Massawa served as a crucial gateway for Islamic trade and pilgrimage routes to Mecca, establishing deep religious connections. The city's Muslim community has maintained its cultural heritage through traditional practices, with the old town's Islamic architectural legacy standing as testament to its rich Muslim history.