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Masjid Kapitan Keling- Lasting symbol of unity

By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM
Tuesday October 10, 2006

THE Kapitan Keling Mosque, one of the most prominent landmarks in inner George Town, Penang, remains a symbol of unity after more than 200 years. 

The structure that was first built in 1801 is a testimony of a great understanding and friendship between then British governor Sir George Leith and leader of Muslim settlers Cauder Mydin Merican, who was popularly known as Kapitan Keling. 

 

Front view of the Kapitan Keling Mosque.
The idea to build the grand mosque was, however, not mooted by Kapitan Keling, whose name is spelt as Cander Mohuddeen (mention as Kaidir Maidin) or Cauder Mydin Merican in the legal documents and business agreements. 

Rather, the idea of building a mosque rich in Moghul architecture was first mooted by the Havildar, Jemadan and Sepoy clans from South India. Due to constraints, they settled for a small hut that served as a prayer place for the Muslim settlers. 

The mosque was named after Kapitan Keling because it was he who made the dream of building a grand mosque a reality. 

For, it was Kapitan Keling who broached the idea to the British administration, and engineered the construction of the mosque himself. Kapitan Keling was also the main contractor of the mosque construction project. 

The mosque symbolised a big leap in the history of Islam in Penang. 

 

The interior view of the historic mosque.
The involvement of Sir George Leith, then the Governor of Penang, in granting the piece of land for the construction of the mosque was evident. 

Kapitan Keling, 13 of his assistants, and six traders gave a thank you note to express their gratitude to Leith for granting the 7.2ha.  

The piece of land located between Lebuh Pitt and Lebuh Chulia (also known as Lebuh Malabar) was given to the community on Nov 2, 1801. 

The note is included in the compilation of Leith’s administrative documents, “A Short Account of Settlement, Produce and Commerce of Penang Island (London, 1804),” that is kept in the Penang Museum. 

Construction work began soon after the land was granted. High quality wood and metal imported from India and Europe were used.  

The initial structure was said to be just a basic square building. The Indian Muslim community continued to improve on the façade and the structure even after the death of Kapitan Keling in 1834. 

The mosque was given a major facelift after the land was gazetted under Ordinan Wakaf (endowment) 1905 following the formation of the Mohammedan and Hindu Wakaf Board to set guidelines for wakaf properties. 

The golden dome that accentuated the Moghul influence was then added to the mosque architecture. The job was completed in the 1930s. 

The traditional architecture was restored in 2002 after the federal government granted a RM5.5mil allocation to rehabilitate the mosque. The authorities granted additional allocation last year to polish the golden dome. 

 

The interior view of the historic mosque.
Muslims frequent the mosque day and night to perform prayers and participate in religious activities. 

Today, the majestic mosque with its architectural splendour has inadvertently become a tourist attraction. 

Mosque chairman Meera Mydin Mastan said the mosque was a sacred place for Muslims to perform their religious obligation. 

“But we welcome visitors and tourists who wish to come here to appreciate the mosque’s architectural beauty and historic value. 

“We do not want to disappoint people who travel from faraway places to see this magnificent mosque closely,” he said, adding that the mosque would not lose its glory as long as the Muslims continued fulfilling their religious obligation. 

Tourists who were not “properly dressed” could borrow robes provided at the entrance, he said.  

Archived from TheStar Online

 

 

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