The Kapitan Keling Mosque is a mosque built in the 19th century by Indian Muslim traders inGeorge Town, Penang, Malaysia.It is situated on the corner of Lebuh Buckingham (Buckingham Street) and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (Pitt Street).
"Keling" is a Malay term for people of Indian origin, nowadays considered offensive but not so considered at the time when the mosque was built. The "Kapitan " was a representative of the Indian community, like the "Kapitan Cina" for the Chinese community.
Another renovation in 1930 gave the Kapitan Keling Mosque its present appearance after the previous design was deemed impractical. In keeping with tradition, the mosque was not rebuilt, but only enlarged. Among the major work during this period included doubling the height of the central prayer hall, improvement to the ventilation system, and allowing more natural light to enter. The exterior is ochre yellowed while the interior had white marble floors and a high ceiling. The interior aisles are formed by a series of horseshoe arches, crowned with King Edward's plaques. The façade of the building and its interior were decorated with geometric designs, as human and animal forms are forbidden in Islam.
Kapitan Keling Mosque was the first mosque built in Penang. It is also the largest historic mosque standing on the ground of Penang. This mosque is named after the head of Indian Muslim community in the late 1700's. This mosque is used by the Muslims five times per day, seven days a week. During festival seasons such as Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and Hari Raya Haji, as well as every other Fridays, the mosque is packed with crowds of Muslims, offering their prayers. There, you can appreciate and ready to be mesmerized by the beauty of the Indian Muslim's architecture. The visiting hours for the mosque is from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday to Thursday and on Friday, it is at 3pm to 5pm. The admission fee is free and there is a guided tour available running by the Islamic Propagation Society International.
Apart from this historic mosque, another historic building that worth a visit is the Fort Cornwallis. The Fort Cornwallis is the largest fort not only in Penang, but in the whole country of Malaysia. Amazingly, this fort has never been engaged to any battle before. There are a few cannons on the fort which act as decorations. Do get to the famous clan temple in Penang with the name of Khoo Kongsi. This clan temple has as fascinating architecture with amazing sculptures. It is too, considered as a historic site as it is standing there for more than 100 years. Nearby, there is a bed and breakfast cum museum named the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. It is considered as one interestinghotel in Penang. This mansion is popular as it is built according the principles of Feng Shui. You can either choose to have a stay or just a tour with an admission fee of RM12.00.
Finally, to end your tour in Penang, go to Gurney (Persiaran Gurney). There is Gurney Plaza shopping mall featuring all unique and high-end brands and Penang's souvenirs. The famous Gurney Drive is there too, with uncountable local delicacies waiting to be tasted by you.Surrounded by a low wall, this white-washed mosque is adorned with yellow Moghul-style domes and turrets. A madrassah (a place where religious classes are held) can also be found within the mosque's compound. The tall minaret, once used by the muezzin to deliver his call to prayers, is located on the corner of Buckingham and Pitt Street.
