Masjid Kampung Hulu, Melaka - 1728

"Respect is not something that you can ask for, buy or borrow. Respect is what you earn from each person no matter their background or status..."

(Masjid Kampung Hulu, Melaka)

Masjid Kampung Hulu is located in the center of Bandar Hilir Melaka. Built in 1728, the Masjid Kampung Hulu is the third oldest mosque in Peninsular Malaysia that is still in use and is on its original site. This mosque is located at the intersection of Jalan Kampung Hulu and Jalan Masjid in Melaka, in an area that is now filled with shops run by Chinese traders.

(A pit stop for Bikers gang in Kembara 44 Masjid)

(A beautifully designed mosque)

This mosque was built by the local residents with Dutch funding during the colonization of Melaka by the Dutch East India Company. This mosque was built as a result of a policy change by the Dutch government, which stated the policy of religious diversity. Before the arrival of the Dutch in 1624, the Portuguese colonists had come since 1511, destroying the remains of non-Christian houses of worship in Melaka. Among those destroyed by the Portuguese was the first mosque built, which is said to be located opposite the current site of Stadhuys.

 

(The historical graveyards)

The Dutch government has assigned Kapitan to lead the local people in the construction of their place of worship. Dato' Samsuddin Bin Arom, an immigrant from China who has converted to Islam, was assigned by the Dutch government to build the Kampung Hulu Mosque. The original construction was later improved by Sheikh Al Omar bin Hussain Al-Attas.

(Claimed to be the 3rd oldest mosque in Malaysia)

The Dutch colonizers also encouraged cultural diversity among the population, and features of mosque design from Java were incorporated into the design of the Kampung Hulu Mosque. This mosque has a three-layered roof, shaped like a limas (pyramid). The space between the roof layers allows air circulation and light to enter the mosque.

(The interior of the mosque)

The roof structure is supported by four parallel pillars in the middle of the mosque, which then lead to other supporting pillars. Although the design of this mosque is influenced by Javanese design, the Kampung Hulu Mosque is not made of wood like mosques in Java, but instead is made using bricks and stones. This mosque also has a low wall that fences the mosque area.

(The main prayer area)

Like many mosques built in Malacca at that time, decorations with Chinese influences were used to decorate this mosque. Materials such as ceramic tiles and floor tiles from the Ching Dynasty were also used. Motifs decorate the edge of the dome of the mosque. The stone towers show the characteristics of Melaka design at that time, and were influenced by Chinese pagoda designs. The carvings and architecture of the mosque use natural factors. The influence of plants becomes the main criterion of architecture and carvings on the walls and roofs of the mosques. At the end of the roof there are carvings with the concept of tendrils, crowns and clouds.

(Abolution pool and the historical cannon)

This mosque is among 777 historical buildings listed by Archnet. This mosque underwent renovation work from 2010 to 2014. The original structure was still maintained.