An Analysis: Traditional Malay Architecture in Kedah
Kedah has the distinction of being called the rice-bowl of Malaysia, a term that takes on the aesthetic significance when one is exposed to the rice fields that it yields. Well known for its vast paddy fields and also the island of Langkawi, Kedah holds rich cultural traditions in both the economical and the tourism aspects. However, Kedah is also the site of Malaysia’s most extensive ruins.
The early history of Kedah varies from multiple sources. From the prehistoric period to the archaeological site of the Bujang Valley, the early Maritime trade of India and the Middle East to the written works of early Chinese pilgrims and the Al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah. Located strategically by the Strait of Melaka, Kedah is part of the early sea trade route of the spice route for Arab, Persian, Tamil Nadu and India-to-China traders. It was then; Kedah was recognised as major kingdom of the Malay Peninsula, dating back to the 5th century.
Due to her fame, Kedah was subjugated by Srivijaya in the 7th century. Until the 15th century, Kedah came under the influence and rule of the Siamese kingdom. A treaty allowed Kedah to be independent for a while until an attack by Acheh in 1618 lead to Kedah seeking protection from Siam, once again coming under the influence and ruling of the Siamese Kingdom. Kedah’s position was further jeopardised with the pressure from the Bugis, Siamese and the Burmese in the 18th century. There were many power struggles during that period until the early 20th century; the British conquered most of the Malay Peninsula. Finally in 31 August 1957, Malaya achieved independence. With such rich historical background, Kedah has developed into a state where not only her culture is invested in the people but also in the houses.
Before looking into the main features of the Kedah houses, it is understandable that most traditional Malay houses came from the same root which is the people themselves. Many of the arts and craft of the Malays are taken
The early history of Kedah varies from multiple sources. From the prehistoric period to the archaeological site of the Bujang Valley, the early Maritime trade of India and the Middle East to the written works of early Chinese pilgrims and the Al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah. Located strategically by the Strait of Melaka, Kedah is part of the early sea trade route of the spice route for Arab, Persian, Tamil Nadu and India-to-China traders. It was then; Kedah was recognised as major kingdom of the Malay Peninsula, dating back to the 5th century.
Due to her fame, Kedah was subjugated by Srivijaya in the 7th century. Until the 15th century, Kedah came under the influence and rule of the Siamese kingdom. A treaty allowed Kedah to be independent for a while until an attack by Acheh in 1618 lead to Kedah seeking protection from Siam, once again coming under the influence and ruling of the Siamese Kingdom. Kedah’s position was further jeopardised with the pressure from the Bugis, Siamese and the Burmese in the 18th century. There were many power struggles during that period until the early 20th century; the British conquered most of the Malay Peninsula. Finally in 31 August 1957, Malaya achieved independence. With such rich historical background, Kedah has developed into a state where not only her culture is invested in the people but also in the houses.
Before looking into the main features of the Kedah houses, it is understandable that most traditional Malay houses came from the same root which is the people themselves. Many of the arts and craft of the Malays are taken
Bibliography: i) Nasir, Abdul Halim and Hashim Haji Wan Teh. The Traditional Malay House. Kuala Lumpur: Institut Terjemahan dan Buku Malaysia, 2011. ii) Sahabuddin, Firrdhaus. “Vernacular Architecture of Traditional Malay House”. Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and Its Relationship to Climate. Academia.edu. iii) Mohd. Rasdi, Mohd. Tajuddin, Kamaruddin Mohd. Ali, Syed Ahmad Iskandar Syed Ariffin, Ra’alah Mohd., and Gurupiah Mursib. The Architectural Heritage of the Malay World: The Traditional Houses. Johor Bahru: Penerbit UTM, 2005.