Referred to by various names such as Masjid Chulia, Kling Mosque, Majdeen Mosque and the Big Mosque, the Jamae Mosque Singapore is a well recognised landmark of the country. It was the first of three mosques built by early Muslim traders from South India, the other two being the Al-Abrar and the Nagore Durgha. Built around 1826, shortly after the birth of the modern Singapore, it is one of the oldest mosques in Singapore and in view of its historic value, it was granted National Monument status in November 1974.

Located in the heart of Singapore’s business district, covering a land area of nearly 5000 square metres, the place stands out prominently in contrast to the rest of Chinatown. The location of the Mariamman Hindu Temple along the same street signifies the diverse cultural and religious blend that makes up Singapore.

The architecture of the Jamae Mosque is an interesting, eclectic mix of East and West, making it a much photographed attraction of Singapore. While the compound follows the urban street grid, the building within is not, as it is aligned towards holy Mecca. Even though the mosque has undergone repairs and repainting over the years it has preserved most of its original structure. The main entrance to the building is distinctly of South Indian style, with a front gate framed by a pair of tall, domed towers. The mosque comprises a covered foyer, an ancillary prayer room, main prayer hall and a spacious courtyard containing an ablution area. A minaret which is accessed by a stairway located in the foyer is the location from which Adhan or Call to Prayer is carried out every day. A shrine dedicated to a beloved Muslim leader of a bygone era, Muhammad Salih Valinvah is another interesting feature of the mosque.

Belonging to the prestigious UK group of the same name, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore is a popular choice among Singapore hotels. It is one of thehotels in Singapore that enjoys a prime setting with easy access to the city’s tourist attractions and business area. Offering a combination of excellent facilities and service, it is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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