MASJID KAPITAN KELING
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The Kapitan Keling mosque is the largest in Penang. It was built by the first Indian Muslims, who arrived at the end of the 18th century with British troops. Most of them were integrated into the militia troops of the East India Company and came from Bengal. The architecture is based on many elements of Indian architecture, such as the bulbous dome that is very common in northern India. The steeply sloping tile roofs are typical of Bengal bungalows. The lobed arches of the exterior passageways or the bell towers that frame the minaret are all elements of Mughal art. The mosque was built in honor of Cauder Mydin Merican, the "captain" of the Keling, or the leader of the South Indian Muslim community in Penang. In 1801, the site of the mosque occupied 7 hectares. Only three remain, following the successive recuperation of pieces of land by municipal authorities to build roads and buildings. Nevertheless, the mosque stands in the midst of beautiful, well-kept gardens. You have to walk up a long alley to get to the prayer room. There are numerous Moorish, Romanesque and Gothic arches and pillars that seem to multiply the space. The walls are adorned with calligraphic elements from verses from the Qur'an, while the stained glass windows evoke floral and graphic motifs. The white marble floor reflects the light from the heavy candelabra when not covered with prayer mats.
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