Asian Arhcitecture

1. School of Architecture, Building & Design
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
Asian Architecture ARC 60403
Project 2: Historic Street Essay, March 2017
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
(Formerly known as Pitt Street)
Group Members
Francis Yeow
Lim Shen
Mohd Anwar Fauzi
Nicole Foo Shuli
Tan Jee Khium
Teh Chie Yang
1101A12395
0323209
0320213
0325517
0324827
0324947
Tutor: Nicholas Ng Khoon Wu

2. Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, or formerly known as Pitt Street, is one of the major streets in the
historic city of Georgetown, located in the state of Penang, Malaysia ​(​Figure 1.1​)​. Georgetown is
the state capital of Penang, an island off the coast of mainland Penang.
Figure 1.1​ Location of Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia.
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, or Pitt Street,
is one of the four major streets envisioned
when Penang was first developed by
Francis Light in 1786 ​(​Figure 1.2​)​. The street
name originated from the then prime
minister of Great Britain, William Pitt the
Younger.
As the centuries pass, the street became
home to several landmarks such as the
Georgetown Courthouse, St George’s
Church, Sri Mariamman Temple and
Kapitan Keling Mosque ​(​Figure 1.3​)​, which
superseded the previous street name in the
1990’s.
It was first developed on the easternmost
side, where the courthouse and St George’s
Church were built. Priority was given to
European-style buildings that has municipal
or governmental functions. Later on, when
the British moved out to the suburbs, these
buildings were later occupied by wealthy
Chinese tycoons in the 18th century. These
Chinese tycoons live south of the
European-style enclave, where the Kuan
Yin Teng Temple is located.
Figure 1.2​ Maps of Georgetown, 1799 & 2017, with the four original
streets highlighted - Light Street (north), Beach Street (east), Chulia
Street (south) and Pitt Street (west). Adapted from Khoo, Salma
Nasution (2007). ​Streets of George Town, Penang​.

3. The southern end of the street is predominantly occupied by the Indian and Malay community,
with Sri Mariamman Temple and Kapitan Keling Mosque as the spiritual centre of the
community. The street ends at the southern tip of the road, where it splits off towards Cannon
Road and Armenian Street.
Figure 1.3​ Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Original data.
The growth of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling was rapid at first - now the pace of development
has lessened significantly, due to the Rent Control Act (abolished in 2001).
After Georgetown was inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2008, the area was gazetted
as a heritage area. Any new development is heavily regulated and the renovation of old
buildings is monitored for its impact and urban effect. Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling lies within the
core zone of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site ​(​Figure 1.4​)​.
The street once underwent resurfacing a few years ago. The municipal council replaced the
tarred road with granite to give off a cobblestone feel and appearance, before reverting back to
the original surface upon suffering heavy backlash from the public.
Pitt Street was officially changed to Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling in the 1990s.

4. Today, the street is known as “Harmony Street of Penang”, where people of all races and
ethnicities could be seen mingling and living together peacefully. Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
used to host a market building, as well as a police station - both which has been demolished for
further development. Now it is home to antique/boutique shops, restaurants and many more.
Figure 1.4​ Core and buffer zones of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Adapted from Melaka and George Town, ​The inscribed property and the buffer
zone of the Historic city of Melaka and George Town.​ (2007). [ebook] UNESCO, World Heritage Centre, p.2.
Six years after Francis Light founded
Georgetown, the town had a population of
about 10,000. Now, approximately 738,500
inhabitants lived in Georgetown, according
to Malaysia’s Department of Statistics as of
2010 ​(​Figure 1.5​)​. Most of the population is
comprised of ethnic Chinese, accounting for
over 50% of the population. Ethnic Malays
take up another 30%, with the remaining
percentages belonging to the other
ethnicities and races. Figure 1.5​ Ethnic composition of Georgetown (2010). Adapted from
Population Distribution And Basic Demographic Characteristics.
(2010). [ebook] Department of Statistics, Malaysia, p.42.

5. Due to the intermingling of the various ethnicities and religions arriving in Georgetown, the
town community was shaped and formed by the waves of migration; from traders to workers,
merchants to travellers. They come from all over the world: Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar,
China, India, the Middle-East and Japan. Interestingly, the community set up their religious
institutions at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, creating a street filled with many religious buildings.
This earned Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling the name “Harmony Street”. The street reflects over
200 years of history, ethics and religious co-existence. Georgetown, or specifically Jalan Masjid
Kapitan Keling, shows the exchanges between the various communities that go beyond mere
tolerance of diversity, but acceptance ​(​Figure 1.6​)​.
Figure 1.6​ Community religious events - Hari Raya, Thaipusam, Temple Day, Mass.
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling has preserved the legacies of Islamic, Buddhism, Confucian,
Taoist, Sikh, Hindu and Christian communities, reflected through the architecture and cultural
practices still on display at the street. Even the long-gone communities of Armenians and Jews
are remembered in the history sites and street names surrounding Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
Nowadays, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling is blessed with over 50 spiritual sites created by the
local community. Even as Georgetown undergoes urbanisation, the street remains as the
spiritual heartland of the diverse population whose ancestors settled in Georgetown.
Figure 1.7​ Pitt Street, or Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, in the 19th century. ​Adapted from Khoo, Salma Nasution (2007). ​Streets of George Town, Penang​.

6. Most of the shophouses along Jalan
Masjid Kapitan Keling is comprised of
restaurants and shops catering to the
religious sites. There are also jewellery
shops, antiques shops and money-changers
spread out along the street ​(​Figure 1.9​)​. Long
ago there was even an auction area at the
junction near Sri Mariamman Temple. It was
known as Simpang Lelong, meaning
“auctioneer’s junction”.
Figure 1.8​ The street in mid 20th century, with Masjid Kapitan Keling in the
background. ​Adapted from Khoo, Salma Nasution (2007). Streets of
George Town, Penang.
Figure 1.9​ Traditional trades along the street - incense stall, money-changer, restaurant, antique shop
Figure 1.10​ Satellite view of Georgetown, highlighting Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling with it’s historically significant buildings. Adapted from GoogleEarth
When the then Prince of Wales Island became a strategic entrepot for merchants all around
the world, the numbers of immigrants grew. Hence, the British colonials saw fit to establish a
judicial authority to better manage affairs.
Founded in 1808, the Georgetown High Court - then known as The Supreme Court - is not
only significant to Penang but also Malaysia as a whole, as it is the birthplace of Malaysia’s
judiciary system ​(​Figure 1.11​)​.Today the justice system is influenced by both the English common
law and Islamic law.

7. The building was built in the Palladian
architectural style. This style is significant as
it became popular in Britain during the mid -
17th to 18th century. Elements commonly
found in buildings with this architectural
style include the abundant usage of
columns (in this case, Doric columns) and
pediments. Palladian architecture is also
typically symmetrical in design, this is true
for the Georgetown High Court and also St.
George’s Church across the street.
Figure 1.11​ Georgetown High Court
St. George’s Church was founded in 1818
and is the oldest Anglican church in South
East Asia ​(​Figure 1.12​)​.
Being just across the road from The
Supreme Court, this church served as a
religious place for the British colonist who
were of the Christian faith. A memorial
pavilion for Sir Francis Light (founder of
British colony in Penang) can be found on
the lawn in front of the church.
Figure 1.12​ St George’s Church
Note: Currently, both buildings, Georgetown High Court and St George’s Church, are still in use with their original programs and also
carries a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” status.
The Goddess of Mercy Temple, or locally
known as Kuan Im Teng Temple, was built
in 1728 by seafaring Hokkiens ​(​Figure 1.13​)​. It
is the oldest Taoist temple in Penang.
It was originally dedicated to ​Mazu​, a sea
goddess worshipped by the ​Hokkiens​, but
later on other Chinese deities such as
Guanyin, Guanyu, Tua Pe Kong were
worshipped as a result of a more diverse
Chinese community. The increased diversity
coming from different dialect groups had Figure 1.13​ Kuan Yin Teng Temple
raised issues such as feuds among each groups. And as these fights worsen, the temple acted
as a place for them to settle disputes especially between the Hokkiens and the Cantonese. The
mediating role of the temple was then taken on by the establishment of the Penang Chinese
Town Hall in 1881. After that, the temple’s functions were solely religious.

8. The temple is built in a Chinese architecture style. Though it has the typical temple elements
such as upward curving roofs, huge ornamented doors, and tall pillars filled with motifs of
dragons, it is not the most ornate temples in town. The temple was also built according to
principles of feng shui.
Having a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” status, the temple is still in use today as a place of
worship to Guanyin (The Goddess of Mercy) by both locals and visiting tourists.
Shophouses are one of the most significant types of architecture in Georgetown, as it is the
main elements of the local built heritage ​(​Figure 1.14​)​. These built structures were once homes to
Chinese immigrants as it was also built by them.
Shophouses are usually built in a row
facing a street with nothing between single
units aside from a single party wall
separating them. These low rise buildings
are commonly narrow, long and is sectioned
by an air-well. Each row would have a 5 foot
walkway passing by the entrances of each
unit. As it’s name suggests, shophouses are
multi-functional as it combines uses of a
residential and commercial space in one
building. Figure 1.14​ Google street-view of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
The architectural styles of the shophouses range from the “Southern Chinese” Eclectic style
from the 1840s to 1900s, and the “Early Straits” Eclectic style from the 1890s to 1910s. Both
architectural styles incorporate similar design elements, such as terracotta roof tiles, louvred
windows, air vents, barred windows and timber ventilated doors.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest
Hindu temple in Penang ​(​Figure 1.15​)​. Built in
1833, it functioned as a place of worship as
early as 1801, with dated references by the
British granting the land rights to a Betty
Lingam Chetty, the Kapitan of the Tamils
and South Indians then.
Officially known as the Arulmigu Sri
Mahamariamman Temple, it has many other
names with similar wordings - such as
Mariamman Temple, Queen Street Indian
Temple, Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple or
Sri Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple.
The architectural style is Dravidian in
nature, of South Indian origin. Its main
features include pyramidal-shaped towers
and pillared halls. Figure 1.15 ​Sri Mahamariamman Temple

9. The temple is dedicated to Mariamman or Mari, a South Indian Hindu goddess of rain. It is also
the Tamil mother goddess governing over rain, medicine and fertility. As such, many people
come to the temple seeking blessings related to such themes.
A majority of the Indian population came from the southern part of India, bringing their culture
with them to Georgetown. The temple resides along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, opening
towards the other side to Queen Street. Together with Chulia Street and Market Street, they
form ​Little India​, a collective identity of Indian culture.
Masjid Kapitan Keling is built by Indian
Muslim traders in 1801 ​(​Figure 1.16​)​. It is the
first permanent Muslim institution in the
area, and lies in the centre of Georgetown’s
Tamil Muslim neighbourhood. Back then, Sir
George Leith, the then Lieutenant Governor
of Penang, granted Cauder Mohudeen
Merican, the Kapitan Kling of the South
Indian “Keling” community, a piece of land
to build the mosque.
Figure 1.16​ Masjid Kapitan Keling
It’s architectural style incorporates Islamic, Mughal and Moorish elements. A large bulbous
dome (Mughal), horseshoe arches (Moorish) and geometric designs (Islamic) come together as
one to create the mosque.
Catering to the Indian Muslims around the area, adjacent to what is currently known as Little
India, the Indian community revolves around these two prominent buildings, Sri
Mahamariamman Temple and Masjid Kapitan Keling - split along religious beliefs, with Jalan
Masjid Kapitan Keling as the spatial divider.
There were a few significant past events that occurred in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling,
Georgetown; some which directly affected the street. In 1786, Georgetown was established as a
British settlement and free port by Francis Light. Pitt Street, as it was known then, became one
of the major streets of early Georgetown. Its importance increased even more when Masjid
Kapitan Keling was built on the street in 1801, followed by Georgetown High Court in 1808.
Eight years later, the Indian Muslim community moved into the southern part of the street, after
the British moved house to better areas. In 1818, St George’s Church was built; in 1824, Kuan
Yin Teng became entirely dedicated to Guan Yin. In 1833, the Arulmigu Mahamariamman
Temple, was founded - thus the “Street of Harmony” was born.
After Malaysia achieved independence, Pitt Street was renamed as Jalan Masjid Kapitan
Keling. However local people still call it by its old namesake out of remembrance. At the start of
the 21st century, the Penang State government paved the street with granite tiles at an attempt
to recreate the cobblestone-styled streets of the past. Public backlash soon convinced them to
retract their decision. In 2008 Georgetown was inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage Site, of which
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling was part of.

10. The core area of Georgetown, as drawn out by UNESCO World Heritage Centre, has been
identified as a conservation area under the Municipal Council of Penang Island’s Structure Plan,
governed by the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, and its Amendment Act, 1995.
No new physical development is permitted within the core area, of which Jalan Masjid Kapitan
Keling resides in. Numerous restoration projects have been completed, with Masjid Kapitan
Keling up next for the next phase.
The most pressing issue onsite is traffic. However, it is tackled through the implementation of
the completed ring road of the inner city, including a new bridge. This has decreased the
amount of traffic entering the heritage area. Heavy vehicles are prohibited from accessing the
area too.

11. References
1. Khoo, Salma Nasution (2007). ​Streets of George Town, Penang​.​ ​Penang​,​ ​Malaysia​:
Areca Books.​ ​ISBN​ ​9789839886009
2. myPenang. (n.d.). ​Street of Harmony​. [online] Available at:
http://www.mypenang.gov.my/itemfull-3201-street_of_harmony.pgt​ [Accessed 14 Jun.
2017].
3. En.m.wikipedia.org. (n.d.). ​Pitt Street, George Town​. [online] Available at:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitt_Street,_George_Town​ [Accessed 14 Jun. 2017].
4. Early Penang. (2015). ​pg.3 - Chapter 1 - Early Penang Society (contd)​. [online] Available
at: ​http://100pfs.blogspot.my/2015/08/early-penag-society-contd-pg-3.html​ ​[Accessed 14
Jun. 2017].
5. Melaka and George Town, The inscribed property and the buffer zone of the Historic city
of Melaka and George Town. (2007). [ebook] UNESCO, World Heritage Centre, p.2.
Available at: ​http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1223/multiple=1&unique_number=1871
[Accessed 14 Jun. 2017].
6. SUBMISSION DOSSIER FOR UNESCO “HISTORIC CITIES OF THE STRAITS OF
MALACCA: Melaka and George Town.” (2007). [ebook] The Government of Malaysia,
pp.2, 158, 250. Available at: ​http://www.gtwhi.com.my/images/stories/files/dossier.pdf
[Accessed 14 Jun. 2017].
7. Population Distribution And Basic Demographic Characteristics. (2010). [ebook]
Department of Statistics, Malaysia. Available at:
https://web.archive.org/web/20131113165406/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/downlo
ad_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf
[Accessed 14 Jun. 2017].
8. Penangshophouse.com.my. (n.d.). ​“Early Straits” Eclectic Style | PENANG
SHOPHOUSE​. [online] Available at:​ ​http://penangshophouse.com.my/?page_id=180
[Accessed 14 Jun. 2017].
9. Khoo Salma Nasution (2014). ​The Chulia in Penang​. Penang, Malaysia: Areca Books.
10. Hebpenang.gov.my. (n.d.). ​Queen Street Maha Mariamman Temple​. [online] Available
at:
http://www.hebpenang.gov.my/content/display/article/site:hindu_endowment_board-para
m:queenstreet_mariamman_temple-link:7652​ [Accessed 14 Jun. 2017].