Sultan Mosque

It’s quite a glorious sight to see Sultan Mosque appearing amidst a row of old shophouses as you drive through Arab Street. The Sultan Mosque is located on 3 Muscat street in the Malay Heritage District known as Kampong Glam. It’s wonderful that Singapore is so ethnically diverse and just rich in culture.

And what I love most about blogging here is that although I know Singapore intimately I don’t know everything and there is always room to learn and grow. That’s the exciting bit for me.

I can delve into and learn more about our Singapore culture and history. Sometimes I feel I know more about the places I visit in the world than my own country due to the research I do before I travel. I am sure visitors to our little island have a more intimate knowledge of our history and architecture.

Sultan Mosque

photo by bookjunkie

Sultan Mosque

photo by bookjunkie

I have to confess that this is the first time I am learning more about the mosque also known as Masjid Sultan, although B already knew much more than I did.

It was named after a real Sultan – Sultan Hussein Shah. The current mosque was completed in 1928 and replaced the older one built way back in 1826. For the muslim community in Singapore this is known as their national mosque and was officially designated a national monument in 1975.

I was most impressed by the golden onion shaped dome. It’s topped by the crescent moon and a star which is the symbol of the Islamic faith. The founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman, had a dream in which the crescent moon stretched from one end of the earth to the other. Taking this as a good omen, he chose to make it the symbol of his dynasty.

The most meaningful feature are the glass bottle ends that adorn the base of each dome. The sultan had collected as donations from poor Muslims. I think it was wonderful that the Sultan thought of the poor Muslims and wanted to incorporate contributions from them as well in the architecture of the mosque.

sultan mosque

photo by bookjunkie

sultan mosque

photo by bookjunkie

Awe inspiring beauty of the golden domes encompassing the roof above the prayer hall and the tall slender minarets.

sultan mosque

photo by bookjunkie

The Mughals in India popularized the onion shaped structure.

sultan mosque

photo by bookjunkie

About bookjunkie

Blogging about life in Singapore & recently cancer too.
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6 Responses to Sultan Mosque

  1. Pingback: Thank you Expat Bloggers – For Introducing me to Haji Lane and Reintroducing me to the Awesomeness of Arab Street — Singapore Actually

  2. Al says:

    Having you covering so many different faces of one my favorite places on earth makes me feel like I’m on vacation everyday… by just reading your blog(s) 😀

    I went through some very traumatic workplace episodes and was seeking solace when I stumbled across your Tiny Island… I’m very grateful how your blog started me on a very therapeutic journey (which also incl a 10-days vacation in your lovely country <3).

    Thank you very much!

    P/S:- Glam in colloquial Bahasa means "Glamorous" or "Fabulous". I'd say the two characters Kampung Glam is not short of 🙂

    • bookjunkie says:

      Awww that’s so sweet. You really keep me motivated and wanting to go on when my spirit is lacking. I love writing and reading and I love that someone out there is reading…I feel so flattered.

      I had some awful work experiences too…glad my blogging about the bad stuff can help someone else out there not feel so alone.

      Oh yes….I must talk more about my experience in Arab Street….a most wonderful place in Singapore. You are so right …Kampung Glam is truly fabulous!! 🙂

      • Al says:

        Let’s put the nasty past behind us 🙂 And just enjoy life frame by frame 🙂

        I really like the idea how you would travel around the island seeking for new among the mundane. I am making a list of places to go when I go visit Singapore again 😀

        • bookjunkie says:

          I think each of us are so familiar with our own countries that sometimes we miss the little gems 🙂 Thanks so much for reading

  3. Pingback: Back Again at Kampong Glam | Singapore Actually

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