Masjid Zahir to get 100th year makeover
THE iconic Masjid Zahir, listed as one of the 10 most beautiful mosques in the world, will undergo beautification works for its 100th anniversary next year.
The state government has allocated RM2.2 million for the upgrading and beautification works of the mosque, which was designed by the architect who also designed the Azizi Mosque in Langkat, north Sumatra, Indonesia.
With five large domes to symbolise the five pillars of Islam, it was built in 1912 during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Abidin II.
An elegant example of Malay-Islamic architecture, Masjid Zahir is one of Kedah’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.
The mosque occupies a site of approximately 11,558 sq m.
Its prayer hall is surrounded by verandahs with four mezzanine areas. Each mezzanine area is roofed by a dome.
It was officially opened on Oct 15, 1915, by Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah.
State Tourism, Indian and Siamese Community Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid said works would start early next year.
The project includes improving the toilets, place for ablutions, and landscape.
A monument will be built in remembrance of warriors who died while defending the state during the Kedah-Siam War in 1812.
“We are not only beautifying the mosque for its 100th anniversary but also improving its facilities to receive more tourists,” he said.
Rawi said the monument would be build in the mosque’s compound in honour of the some 1,000 heroes buried on the mosque site, who died defending the state from Siamese invasion.
He said the state government, with the cooperation of the state Islamic Department, was planning programmes for Masjid Zahir’s 100th anniversary celebration.
“We hope these programmes will help to boost the number of visitors, both local and foreigners, to the Alor Star landmark.”
Visitor Izamudin Jusoh, 25, lauded the move to beautify and upgrade Masjid Zahir.
“It is time to give the mosque a new look as it enters its 100th year. The mosque is one of the most attractive buildings in the state and it is important for the state government to keep it well maintained,” he said.
Atikah Che Nasir, 32, from Ipoh, said it was a good idea to renovate the mosque.
“This is one of the most beautiful mosques in the country and I hope that the renovation and upgrading works will keep its unique identity,” she said.
An elegant example of Malay-Islamic architecture, Masjid Zahir is one of Kedah’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
THE iconic Masjid Zahir, listed as one of the 10 most beautiful mosques in the world, will undergo beautification works for its 100th anniversary next year.
The state government has allocated RM2.2 million for the upgrading and beautification works of the mosque, which was designed by the architect who also designed the Azizi Mosque in Langkat, north Sumatra, Indonesia.
With five large domes to symbolise the five pillars of Islam, it was built in 1912 during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Abidin II.
An elegant example of Malay-Islamic architecture, Masjid Zahir is one of Kedah’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.
The mosque occupies a site of approximately 11,558 sq m.
Its prayer hall is surrounded by verandahs with four mezzanine areas. Each mezzanine area is roofed by a dome.
It was officially opened on Oct 15, 1915, by Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah.
State Tourism, Indian and Siamese Community Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid said works would start early next year.
The project includes improving the toilets, place for ablutions, and landscape.
A monument will be built in remembrance of warriors who died while defending the state during the Kedah-Siam War in 1812.
“We are not only beautifying the mosque for its 100th anniversary but also improving its facilities to receive more tourists,” he said.
Rawi said the monument would be build in the mosque’s compound in honour of the some 1,000 heroes buried on the mosque site, who died defending the state from Siamese invasion.
He said the state government, with the cooperation of the state Islamic Department, was planning programmes for Masjid Zahir’s 100th anniversary celebration.
“We hope these programmes will help to boost the number of visitors, both local and foreigners, to the Alor Star landmark.”
Visitor Izamudin Jusoh, 25, lauded the move to beautify and upgrade Masjid Zahir.
“It is time to give the mosque a new look as it enters its 100th year. The mosque is one of the most attractive buildings in the state and it is important for the state government to keep it well maintained,” he said.
Atikah Che Nasir, 32, from Ipoh, said it was a good idea to renovate the mosque.
“This is one of the most beautiful mosques in the country and I hope that the renovation and upgrading works will keep its unique identity,” she said.
An elegant example of Malay-Islamic architecture, Masjid Zahir is one of Kedah’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
