As I walk passed Kampung Kling Mosque during the celebration of Malaysia's 52nd Independence Day and the 1Malaysia campaign, I feel that Kampung Kling Mosque (Masjid Kampung Kling) should be nominated as 1Malaysia Architecture's Icon.
What’s the rational for this suggestion?
Let’s start with the Melaka State itself. Melaka or Malacca has been known as “The Emporium of the East“ and the landmark where people from different races and religions intermingle peacefully under the rule of the Melaka Sultanate.
Secondly will be the location interesting and the architecture of this particular mosque that strongly uphold our 1Malaysia campaign and more.
Location of the Mosque
Kampung Kling Mosque is located at the famous Harmony Street of Malacca. Why and what is so special about this street? Once you are here in Melaka, you will surprisingly find that the three main community groups in Malaysia (Malay, Chinese and Indian) have their own religious building namely Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Masjid Kampung Kling and Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Tempel standing elegantly along the same road. Surprised?
Architecture of the Mosque
The mosques in Melaka have developed a unique style of the Southeast Asian Great Mosque. Among the characteristics are curved eaves and crown-like pinnacles on the roof, stylized oriental motifs and ornamentation across the building and the use of imported materials such as (English and Portuguese) glazed floor tiles and ceramic roof.
Construction of the mosque was planned in 1745 in collaboration between the Malay and Indian Muslim communities during the Dutch period in Melaka’s history. This mosque was completed in 1748 and has strong Hindu/Buddhist influences evident in the minaret which resembles a pagoda.
On a closer inspection, you could find an unusual blend of English & Portuguese glazed tiles which adorn most of the Melaka Townhouse along Heeren Street and Jonker Street, Corinthian columns with symmetrical arches in the main prayer hall, a Victorian Chandeliar, a wooden pulpit with Hindu and Chinese style carvings, Moorish cast iron lamp post in the place of abulation for pre-prayer cleansing.
Let me share with you one little secret, you could even spot the Chinese character of double happiness carved on the side roof of the mosque. According to the locals, there’s also Chinese character of longevity that adorn this mosque. Maybe you will have better luck in locating it. If you manage to capture it, do remember to share it with me.
Although the basic structural shape of this mosque is native Nusantara style, many other influences have contributed to make it a unique gem. The mosque gateway itself is attractively adorned quaint mini roof.
Do you agree with me that this mosque has a uniquely mix of diverse elements that surprisingly result in a pleasing whole, much like the fabric of Melaka, Malaysia itself.
Therefore, isn't this magnificence mosque the top candidate for 1Malaysia Architecture's Icon?
