History of Arab Street

AROUND SULTAN MOSQUE AND BUSSORAH STREET
By Ong Jun Bao

Kampong Glam in 1820s

Kampong Glam got its name from the commonly found Gelam tree in the past.

Raffles’ Town Plan in 1822

Sir Standard Raffles

Raffles’ Town Plan in 1822

Raffles’ Town Plan in 1822
Kampong Glam Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam was allocated to
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Sultan and his household Malay and Arab Communities, many of whom were merchants

Streets around Kampong Glam

Sultan Mosque

Sultan Mosque
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Considered the most important mosque in Singapore Original one was build in 1826 by Sultan Hussain Shah, the first sultan of Singapore Current one was built in 1928 funded by donations from the Muslim community

Interesting Facts about Sultan Mosque
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The base of the dome was formed by glass bottles that the Sultan had collected as donations from poor Muslims

Interesting Facts about Sultan Mosque
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The mosque is orientated at an angle facing Mecca

Exterior of Sultan Mosque
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Golden onion dome Exterior is cream in colour The other colours used are green and brown

Interior of Sultan Mosque - Entrance
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Signboard to remind visitors to remove their shoes and etiquette to observe

Interior of Sultan Mosque - Outside the Main prayer hall
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There is a counter and a donation box outside the main prayer hall Non-Muslims are not permitted entry into the prayer hall but tourists can view it from the various entrances

Interior of Sultan Mosque - Main prayer hall
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2 storey high Illuminated by antique chandeliers Walls are green in colour Floors are covered with red and cream coloured carpets No furniture, no figurines Can house up to 5000 people

Bussorah Street

Sultan Mosque

Bussorah Street
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Main street leading to Sultan Mosque Many shophouses along Bussorah Street

Shop houses along Bussorah Street
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Can you tell the differences between the shophouses on the two sides?