Cotabato City serves as a major Islamic center in Mindanao, home to the beautiful Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Philippines. The city has deep Islamic roots dating back centuries and is considered the Islamic capital of the southern Philippines, with a predominantly Muslim population of Maguindanao and other Moro peoples. The city's rich Islamic heritage is evident in its traditional architecture, Islamic educational institutions, and vibrant Muslim cultural practices that have been preserved for generations.