Masjid Kapitan keling, Penang -1798

“Life is a flower of which love is the honey…” - Victor Hugo

(Masjid Kapitan Keling, Penang)

5.416953, 100.337138
05°25′01.03″N 100°20′13.7″E

Masjid Kapitan Keling is more than 220 years old and is situated along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, formerly Pitt Street. It is one of the well-known mosques in Penang. Its address is on Buckingham Street, but it also has entrances on Pitt Street and Chulia Street.

(Located along Pitt Street)

(No proper parking space)

(Unique onion domes)

(The beautiful minaret)

The founder of this mosque was Major Nador Khan or better known as 'Tok Nadok Berkajang Kain'. Originally, this mosque was just a small atap roofed mosque and appeared on the Penang city map in 1798. This mosque is a landmark for the Muslim community in Penang, especially the Indian Muslim community who are active in business activities, especially gold business and money changer. A madrasah was also built for the purpose of teaching religion to children living near the mosque area.

(The main entrance)

(The side view)

(The back view)

The Masjid Kapitan Keling was named after Caudeer Mohuddeen, the head of the Indian Muslim community. The name 'kapitan keling' is used to denote the headman or leader of the South Indian Muslim community. The title 'Kapitan' is from the English word 'Captain'.

(The interior of the mosque)

(Central yellow dome area)

(Arches in the mosque)

(Large roman pillars)

This mosque is also believed to be the first jamek mosque in George Town. Before the construction of the Penang State Mosque, the Kapitan Keling Mosque was used as the state mosque of Penang, since it is the largest historic mosque in George Town.

Source: Sejarah Masjid & Keramat di Pulau Pinang 1730-an - 2012

(One of the heritage buildings in Penang)

(Ablution kolah)

(Dining area at the back)

(Madrasatul Anwarul Ulum)

(Restoran Nasi Kandar Beratur is next to the mosque)