THE DOMELESS MOSQUESDynamics of Cultural Influences

Cover Photo : Masjid Ulu Branang

Photographer : Ilhami Ibrahim

Chapter One : Introduction 1

1.1 History, Foreign Influence & Cultural Aspects of Design 3

1.2 Social Aspects 4

Chapter Two : Architectural Design 11

2.1 Entrance 11

2.2 Roofline 12

2.3 Minaret 15

2.4 Pillar 16

2.5 Minbar 19

2.6 Water Feature 20

Conclusion 21

Content

Chapter OneIntroduction

The design of mosques in our country went through various changes in time. Significantly, there are distinctive vernacular mosques built around 18th century, colonial mosques influenced by British architects who loved Moorish designs and modern mosques build post Merdeka period. Masjid Tengkera and Masjid Kampung Kling from Melaka and Masjid Ulu Branang, Negeri Sembilan are examples of vernacular mosque. Masjid Negara and Masjid Cina are fine examples of post-Merdeka mosques.

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1.1 History, Foreign Influence& Cultural Aspects of Design

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There is a confluence of Malay, Indian, Chinese, Javanese, Sumatran and Arabic or Islamic designs in the five mosques selected for this coffee-table book. Masjid Tengkera, in Bandar Hilir Melaka was built in 1728 during Dutch rule. Renovations took place in 1890 and 1910. There is a distinct Javanese influence in the design of its roof, entrance, doors and the stairs. Masjid Kampung Kling, Melaka was built in 1748 by Indian Muslim traders. It used to be a wooden mosque until rebuilt in bricks in 1872. There is an Indian touch to the design with Sumatran influence in carvings. Built in 1750, Masjid Ulu Branang is located in Negeri Sembilan. Based on the Malay traditional house design, it caters to a small community around 500 people. The government built Masjid Negara, the first national mosque post-Merdeka in 1965, which was influenced by Malay concepts and Islamic designs.

Masjid Cina, built in 2012 in Krubong, Melaka, injected geometrical Oriental designs of the Tang Dynasty in the doors, windows and fenestrations. The striking green roof and red accents are reflective of the Chinese influence.

(Clockwise from top left) 1. Masjid Tengkera 2. Masjid Kampung Kling 3. Masjid Ulu Branang 4. Masjid Negara 5. Masjid Cina

Introduction

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1.2 Social Aspects

The location of Masjid Tengkera, being the state mosque of Melaka up to 1990, was central and easily accessible. It is possible, earlier Javanese, Indian and Chinese settlers influenced the design. Today, due to its heritage value, it is also a tourist attraction.

Location, Cultural and Community ValuesThe location of a mosque is essential to ensure it is easily accessible to the community and continues to be important in the daily lives of the people living within its vicinity or the city. The mosques are reflective of settlers who built them earlier. A mosque continues to be relevant to the society if it is the centre of activity. While this is mostly centred to religious activities, the mosque also fulfills many other needs like a centre for learning, charity and community works. Today, mosques also function as a tourist attraction.

Introduction

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Masjid Kampung Kling is located nearby Jonker Street. This, to a certain extent, has contributed to the popularity of the tourist centre as the mosque features cultural intergration in the design.

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Masjid Negara, was located within the administrative centre of the country at the point of its establishment in 1965. Surrounded by government buildings, it was among the first mosque to accommodate up to 8,000 people when first opened, and then up to 15,000 after renovations. It is well attended every Friday by city workers and due to its central location amidst the popular Lake Gardens and Islamic Arts Museum, is also a popular tourist destination.

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A small mosque, Masjid Ulu Branang, is located in a village occupied by Malays only. By location and necessity, it becomes the center of community activities in the village like prayers, quran classes, as well as

gatherings like community meetings and funerals.

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Masjid Cina is an attraction which would enhance tourism and economic activities in the area. The design is evidence that Islam is universal, not tied to one race or culture.

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Chapter TwoArchitectural Design

2.1 EntranceGenerally, most mosques have main entrances that are easily accessible or located by visitors who arrive in the area and need a place to pray. The main entrances of Masjid Tengkera and Masjid Kampung Kling which were built in the same era have similarities in design ornaments like the crescent moon, gold detailing and wooden doors with detailed carvings. As for Masjid Ulu Branang, the absence of an entrance is most likely due to the fact it is the mosque of a small community. The mosque is located along the side-road. The main entrance of Masjid Negara is modern, stately and clearly visible. The striking red entrance with green roof of Masjid Cina can easily be seen from far. It is similar to the main mosque’s roofline.

2 4(left to right) 1. Masjid Tengkera 2. Masjid Kampung Kling

3. Masjid Negara 4. Masjid Cina

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2.2 RooflineThe roof, which protects the mosque from the elements, is the defining structure of a mosque. Similarities in all five mosques lie in their domeless roofs and in the incorporation of vernacular styled roofs. Masjid Tengkera and Masjid Kampung Kling both have roofs clearly influenced by Javanese and Sumatran design respectively. They are tripled-tiered pyramidal with a square base. Masjid Cina is heavily influenced by Chinese designs throughout. Masjid Negara has a unique roof shaped like an umbrella, chosen due to the umbrella being an important paraphelia used in our royal ceremonies. Masjid Ulu Branang is an old traditional Malay mosque with a traditional roof of zinc.

Architectural Design

(Clockwise from top left) 1. Masjid Tengkera 2. Masjid Kampung Kling 3. Masjid Ulu Branang 4. Masjid Negara 5. Masjid Cina

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2.3 MinaretThe minaret serves as a strong characteristic of the mosque, being a tall simple tower, where the Bilal recites the Azan.

The three minarets in Melaka are all pagoda-like towers. However, the Masjid Cina minaret is the most elaborate.

Masjid Negara’s minaret is unadorned except for its roof which matches the main roof.

Masjid Ulu Branang having no minaret, is unique.

3(From left to right) 1. Masjid Tengkera 2. Masjid Kampung Kling

3. Masjid Negara 4. Masjid Cina

Architectural Design

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2.4 PillarThe pillar is a prominent feature in a mosque. It reflects its importance akin to the five pillars of Islam. It functions as well to divide the different areas of the mosque and as a support structure. Pillars of Masjid Ulu Branang and Masjid Cina are all functional in nature whereas at Masjid Negara, Masjid Kampung Kling as well as Masjid Tengkera, pillars have the added value of being aesthetic.

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Architectural Design

(Top) 1. Masjid Kampung Kling(From left to right) 2. Masjid Tengkera 3. Masjid Cina4. Masjid Negara 5. Masjid Ulu Branang

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2.5 MinbarThe minbar is a must-have feature in mosques. A characteristic of the minbar is that it is a raised platform to give prominence to the leader. The minbar is where the Khatib gives his sermon or khutbah before Friday prayers. The wooden structure of the minbar in the five mosques are elaborated with wood carvings and some, with gold detailing.

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4(Clockwise from far left) 1. Masjid Kampung Kling 2. Masjid Ulu Branang

3. Masjid Negara 4. Masjid Cina 5. Masjid Tengkera

Architectural Design

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2.6 Water FeatureAs a mosque requires an ablution area, very often a water feature is part of the layout of the mosque. It acts as a beautification feature as well as the element of serenity at the mosque. For Masjid Tengkera and Masjid Kampung Kling, the water features also act as an ablution area making them both functional and aesthetical. Masjid Ulu Branang’s ablution area is purely functional. Masjid Negara and Masjid Cina both have a water feature for aesthetic value to enhance the ambience and a separate ablution area to serve its purpose.

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(Clockwise from top left) 1. Masjid Tengkera 2. Masjid Kampung Kling 3. Masjid Negara 4. Masjid Cina

Architectural Design

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ConclusionThe relationship between history, culture and values is often

reflected in the design of the mosque as a congregational point.

Overall, despite the common features like the minbar, minaret and pillar, there are obvious cultural differences and influences in the decorative element, colour, material used and design in all five mosques.

Vernicular architecture can be seen in the older mosque like Masjid Kampung Kling, Masjid Ulu Branang and Masjid Tengkera where the function of the building is the dominant factor and aesthetic considerations are quite minimal as compared to the post-merdeka mosques like Masjid Negara and Masjid Cina.

Most importantly, the mosque architecture is reflective of the community and its uses. 2

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Name: Ilhami binti IbrahimStudent ID: 0319155Subject: Culture & CivilizationCourse: Foundation In Natural & Built EnvironmentLecturer: Ms Ida Mazlan