MASJID JAMEK the country’s first mosque
MASJID JAMEK
INTRODUCTION MASJID JAMEK is located in the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. It is known to be one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. The word Jamek comes from the arabic word “ ”ﺟﺎﻣﻊwhich describes a place where people congregate to worship. The mosque was designed by the English Architect, Arthur Benison Hubback. Masjid Jamek was built in the year 1909. The Architectural styles prominent in Masjid Jamek include Islamic architecture, Mughal architecture, Moorish architecture, and Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Establishment of Masjid Jamek
MASJID JAMEK the country’s first mosque
Establishment of Masjid Jamek How did it start?
Dates back to the 1870s Java Street Mosque - destroyed to make way for developments, which accommodates local Muslim settlement slightly north of modern Masjid Jamek site.
The site chosen - initially a Malay cemetery, Masjid Jamek was built using funds collected from the Malay community contributed by the British Colonial government, costing Masjid jamek site before it was built - bufallos bathing at riverbanks
$32,625 Straits Dollar.
To cater the growing population to replace Java Street Mosque, which was demolished for a road widening project.
Location of Java Mosque before destruction
Choice of Site
Strategic location The confluence of Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak being the unloading spot for tin ore (main sources of economy at that time) at Kuala Lumpur. Sungai Gombak
Sungai Klang Tin Mining
A foundation stone was placed in 1908. Officially opened as a mosque on 23rd December 1909 by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Alauddin Sulaiman Shah.
Foundation stone of Masjid jamek
Present
Gazetted as a National Heritage by the National Heritage Department, Ministry of Unity, Culture and Arts under the National heritage Act 2005.
Became one of Kuala Lumpur’s most significant buildings.
On 23 June 2017, the mosque was renamed to Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque by Selangor's Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Usage of Building According to Timeline Evolution of Spatial Usage
Evolution of Context Bank Negara KTM Station Bank Negara Malaysia
Jalan Kinabalu
St Mary Cathedral
Masjid Jamek Lrt Station
Gombak River
Klang River Jabatan Warisan Negara
Dataran Merdeka Sultan Abdul Samad Building
1895 Before Masjid Jamek was built, the land was used as a Muslim cemetery. The site was surrounded by a village known as Kampung Rawa. Meanwhile Sultan Abdul Samad Building already existed during that time.
Masjid Jamek
1910
2019
The steps were imagined to be a place of human activity and a landing spot for sampans.
River as the main transportation media brings to the establishment of Masjid Jamek where development and linkages of public transportation brings to the development of the surroundings. The relationship between the design of the mosque and its environment is apparent especially when water is the source of ablution and cleansing before prayers.
Evolution of Spatial Usage
Legend 1
1. Main Entrance 2. Marinet Entrance 3. Praying Area 4. Praying Hall 5. Mihrab 6. Ladies Praying Area
2 5 1
4 3
6
1
2 2 1
It is interesting where this plan as the oldest plan has a distinct part compared to the other extended plans, there is an outdoor ablution area where the people perform their ablutions at the steps with the river water.
Jamek Mosque, 1912
View from Embankment Road
Sg. Gombak & Sg. Klang junction
Aerial view after 1933
Legend 9
Extended Areas
10
16
8 7
20 6
19 15
18
14 13
17
12
5
11
21 4 1
21 3
2
Sides extension was carried out to cater for the increase of building usage by the local prayers since most part of the extension are to cater more praying area and ablution area. Gallery & Souvenir Kiosk and the remained praying area (17) were then added with shading elements.
1. Main Gate 2. Safety Office 3. Gallery & Souvenir Kiosk 4. Imam’s Office 5. Men’s Ablution Area 6. Ladies Ablution Area 7. Ladies Toilet 8. Men’s Ablution Room 9. Men’s Toilets 10. Open Ablution Area 11. Extended Praying Area 12. Disabled Entrance Ramp 13. Enclosed Extended Praying Area 14. Open Ablution Area 15. Stairs for River Passengers 16. Landscaping Area
Remained Areas
17. Praying Area 18. Ladies Praying Area 19. Praying Hall 20. Mihrab 21. Minaret Entrances
Legend 1
2
2
3
1
4
3
4
Under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), Masjid Jamek has been expanded to accommodate 10,000 people per congregation prayers and will receive a new landscaping which will place Masjid Jamek into the Heritage Quarter along with the other heritage building surrounding the area under the “River of Life� programme (ROL).
Timeline & Morphology SigniďŹ cant Historical Activities and Events
Significant historical events at the building and its surrounding
1908
1941
Foundation Stone placed by H.R.H Sultan Alaeddin on 23rd of March 1908. 21 months of construction, the mosque was officially opened.
World War 2 - Killing 3 worshippers and causing considerable damage to the building.
1967 Masjid Jamek stood as Malaysia’s National Mosque until 1967, replaced by the current National Mosque to accommodate for a rise in population
Significant historical events at the building and its surrounding
1993
2005
Enlarged with extensions built and open air forecourt roofed over. Domes of mosque collapsed due to heavy rain, and was repaired.
Masjid Jamek was gazetted as National Heritage through National Heritage Act 2005.
Significant historical events at the building and its surrounding
2016 The Government Transformation Programme of Kuala Lumpur sees Masjid Jamek expanded to accommodate 10,000 people per congregation prayers and receives a new landscaping.
Significant historical events at the building and its surrounding
2017 Masjid Jamek was bestowed by Sultan of Selangor by renaming into Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad Kuala Lumpur
2020 The completion of River of Life (Klang River) project will see Masjid Jamek at the centrepoint of the Heritage Quarter, and develop identity as a national landmark for Malaysia.
Architectural Style Indo-Saracenic Architecture
Indo-Saracenic Architectural Style
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Movement by British architect in the late 19th century.
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Introduced and adopted by CE Spooner and AB Hubback.
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Drew elements from native Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture.
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Combined with Gothic revival and Neoclassical style.
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Began in 1870s and lasted until independence in 1957.
Striking red brick and marble building is inspired by the mogul or known as north Indian Islamic architecture.
Used to keep the mosque cool during day-time, warm during night-time. Also, brick possess natural and infinite pleasant colours of burnt clay.
CE Spooner
AB Hubback
Marble is used due to its elegance appearance and also a long-lasting material. Moreover, marble is kind of durable and hard stone.
The prayer hall is normally empty and without furniture to enable for as numerous worshippers as feasible in a single prayer session especially on Friday afternoon.
Elements of Indo-Saracenic Style Architecture in Masjid Jamek
Moorish Minaret The pattern of pink and white minarets which are formed of brick and plaster, has been described as “blood” and “bandage”.
Islamic Pattern Fountain The islamic pattern fountain add the serene ambience of Masjid Jamek. Hence, also acts as a cooling effect for the mosque.
Bulbous / Onion-Shaped Dome The central dome is 21.3m height and flanked by two lower dome. The prayer hall is located beneath the central dome which opens out onto a walled “sahn” (courtyard) back then.
Chattri Flank the four corner of the bulbous dome with an octagonal base and small arches on each of the eight side.
Elements of Indo-Saracenic Style Architecture in Masjid Jamek Mihrab The direction of Mecca is called qibla, thus the mihrab is known as mihrab wall. The location of mihrab indicates the direction of Mecca.
Jharokha Screen Window Incorporated Moorish Arch in the window, which is related to the latter “harem window�.
Pinnacles / Spires Narrow spires are typical Moorish architectural motifs.
Horseshoe Arches Known from pre-Islamic Syria and as a symbol of sainthood and holiness. Allowing more height than the classical (semi-circular) arch.
Importance of Old Traditional Mosque Conservation Eort of Masjid Jamek
Conservation Efforts of Masjid Jamek
Architectural Continuity and the Importance in Tourism Industry Retain History and Belief The beginning for building conservation activities was felt around 1980’s (Ahmad, 1997, Harun, 2005). It have been seen to well runs and manageable due to the introduction of the Antiquities Act 1976 (Act 168), Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), the Local Government Act (Act 171) In those years, tourism industry had seen as a promising economic contributor to the nation. establishment of the Department of National Heritage (JWN) in 2005 and recognition of Malacca City, Malacca and Georgetown, Penang as a 'World Heritage Site' awarded by UNESCO (United Educational Scientific and Culture of the United Nations) in 2008. four (4) key principles that should always practiced in conservation work in Malaysia, which is: 1. .Minimal intervention. As in (Burra Charter Article 3, 1979) sets out ".... the Conservation is based on a respect for the existing fabric, use, associations and meanings. It requires a cautious approach of changing as much as necessary but as little as possible
Conducting scientific research and laboratories testing. As contained in the ICOMOS, Article 12, 1998 that outlined ".. conservation should be based on appropriate research and physical investigation which should as far as possible, a non destructive.." and Article 10 (e) .. ".. intervention should always be preceeded by appropriate research, investigation and recording " Documentation of conservation work. This is contained in Article 10 (f), ICOMOS 1998 which outlines .. ".. Conservation records should always be maintained, kept with the documentation of the building or site and deposited in an appropriate archive. Applying effective methods and techniques. In Clause 4, Article 4.1 and 4.2, outline in Burra Charter ".. Conservation should make use of all the knowledge, skills and disciplines which can contribute to the study and care of the place.." and ".. Traditional techniques and materials are preferred for the conservation of significant fabric. In some circumstances modern techniques and materials which offer substantial conservation benefits may be appropriate‌
Generally, there are seven (7) approach in a conservation program, used individually or a combination, depend on the circumstances and objectives of a conservation project. The approach are preservation, reproduction, restoration, maintenance, redevelopment, rehabilitation and consolidation (Kamal and Ahmad 2007, Idid, SZA 1996, Fielden 2000)
Maintenance in Conserving Masjid Jamek
Surrounded by impressive civic and historical buildings, the area has the makeup of an iconic downtown, where local and international visitors come to shop, stay and enjoy. Riverside landscape converts into shading parasols.
Coconut trees, native to Malaysia replaced by palm trees.
Steps as barrier were transforms into water fountain.
“River of Life”
Sky Bridge
Water Features
Floating Stairs
Lurid LED panel
Under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) through the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) of Kuala Lumpur and Lembah Klang, Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur will be expanded to accommodate 10,000 people per congregation prayers and will receive a new landscaping. This new transformation effort by the government will place Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur into Heritage Quarter along with other heritage buildings surrounding the area under the “River of Life” programme (ROL).
The Heritage Quarter for conservation efforts while activating the area. Urban infill throughout the district activates the pockets of dead energy around the highly attractive tourist region creating more contemporary nodes. Hence, raising the value of experience for locals and tourists.
"There's no long-term planning. When there was a new government building, they moved into it and left this empty," said Ms Mariana, a committee member at the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos). The changes wrought by the “River of Life” are eventually destroying the historical value and spirit of Kuala Lumpur’s landmarks, which are in various states of disrepair and ruin. “The ambience of the area has lost its originality," said Mr Thang. "The government is just designing new things around the buildings." Bad planning affects the aesthetics. The government restored the mosque's original steps that lead to the river, it removed coconut trees, native to Malaysia, on its grounds and planted Middle Eastern date palms instead.
Outside the mosque, colonial shophouses were torn down to make way for a canopy that mimics the giant umbrellas at Medina's famed Prophet's Mosque.
Application of Effective Methods and Technique Applying effective methods and techniques.
Parasols Conservation should make use of all the In Masjid Jamek, the application of huge parasols at its courtyard is a knowledge, skills and disciplines which modern intervention which benefits the public by providing shading from can contribute to the study and care of the heat, the approach has been adopted by Muslim world mosques & does place.." not contrast hugely with the originality of the mosque design. "Traditional techniques and materials are preferred for the conservation of significant fabric. In some circumstances modern techniques and materials which offer substantial conservation benefits may be appropriate‌
Shading parasols from Mecca
Building treatment Traditional materials are replaced with modern treatments, eg. timber to bricks to ensure sustainability of structure and prevent fires.
Parasol shadings inspired by Mecca Mosque at Masjid Jamek
Timber constructed interiors are changed into fire-proof bricks.
Application of Effective Methods and Technique
Stairs The original carved steps of the mosque at the river confluences are reinforce with barrier walls to prevent soil erosion from river current on damaging structure of Masjid Jamek. In addition the purpose is also to accommodate for future tourism for when the steps are opened for sightseeing.
Parasol shadings inspired by Mecca Mosque at Masjid Jamek
Timber constructed interiors are changed into fire-proof bricks.
Documentation of Conservation Work What is conservation documentation ?
Conservation Documentation
Preventive conservation documentation
Data collected during course investigation in its environment.
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Remedial conservation
of
Data collected during entire course of treatment in conservation laboratory.
Recording building’s conditions Any treatment or renovations done to the buildings Observations or conclusions done by the conservator as well as any analytical work done Through written text in articles and journals & photographs Through measured drawing documentations
Digitisation
Examples of conservation documentation work done
1.
Journals,
Articles
&
Brochures
Information about Masjid Jamek can be found in online journals and articles published by the authority itself or a personal investigator that have done several research on this specific heritage building. Also, since it is a well-known tourist spot, brochures regarding its significant history, photos and current ownership were printed for the use of tourism somehow becomes one of the significant way to preserve information about Masjid Jamek. Also, many articles related to Masjid Jamek deposited in the National Malaysia Archive and Badan Warisan Malaysia, safely kept as a copy to be referred.
2.
Online Journal published by Chong Mek Zhin related to Masjid Jamek
Photographs
Effort on documenting the historical traits of Masjid Jamek can be seen through photos where photos were continuously taken from the past to now. This is to showcase the evolution of the building as well as to record any significant changes throughout the years for future generations to refer when needed.
Photographs documented since the past
Brochures took from site visit
3.
Measured
drawings
There are several measured drawings being carried out by students or even private companies to document the existing structure. As shown above, evolutions of drawings were showcased from time to time and good documentation can be seen where there is still preservation of the initial plan of Masjid Jamek. Examples measured drawings 1. Masjid Jamek, 1977 by KALAM Universiti Teknologi Malaysia 2. Masjid Jamek, 1978 by Hajeedar & Associates Sdn. 3. Masjid Jamek, 1999 by Fakulti Alam Bina, Universiti Malaya
done
by
the
Drawings that are believed to be documented by previous measured drawing teams since it consists of extended parts
teams:
Current Ownership and Building Management Framework of the Mosque organisation body
Logo Masjid Jamek Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur
Logo MJSASKL comprised of Arabesque 2D pattern which represent one of the prominent Islamic geometry art in various colour. The pattern revolved in a circular form depicted the continuous unity formed within the community with different religious, cultural and ethnic background. It celebrates the mosque as the ‘Centre of Peace and Unity’. The logo colours were used to segregate different organisation department of Masjid Jamek. For instance, Masjid Tourism Unit, Training and Welfare Unit, Multimedia and Publication Unit, Human Resource Unit, Security Unit, Ummah Development Unit, Operation Unit and Maintenance Unit.
Masjid Tourism Unit
Training & Welfare Unit
Multimedia & Publication Unit
Maintenance Unit
Ummah Development Unit
Human Resource Unit
Operation Unit
Security Unit
Masjid Jamek Management Office Body Structure President Mohd Hilmee Bin Umar
Vice President Mohd Yazid Bin Saad
Secretary Yahya Mahyuddin Bin Utoh Said
Treasurer Ahmad Nizzam Bin Rasali
Head of Economy and Property Management : Ruslan Bin Ibrahim
Head of Religious Preaching Management : Syed Abdullah Bin Syed Nordin
Head of Human Welfare Development Management : Mohamad Zaki Bin Hassan
Head of Event and Festival Management : Abd Talib Bin Jusoh
Head of Tourism and Public Relation Management : Mohd Hafizullah bin Mat Zainuddin
Masjid Jamek Mosque Organisation Committee Ketua Imam Pegawai Hal Ehwal Islam S41
Penolong Ketua Imam Penolong Hal Ehwal Islam S27
Cawangan Pentadbiran & Pengurusan
Cawangan Pengimarahan
Penolong Pegawai Tadbir Masjid
Penolong Pegawai Hal Ehwal Islam S27
Human Resource Unit : Nor Azaruddin Bin Ahmad
Islam Worship and Preaching Unit : Muhammad Farhan Bin Nasharuddin
Multimedia and Publication Unit : Muhammad Hafiz Bin Mohd Arif
Training and Welfare Unit : Muhammad Syukri Bin Ismail
Masjid Tourism Unit : Azmarul Husnika Bin Saat
Ummah Development Unit : Muhammad Adeeb Bin Nasharuddin
Operation Unit : Adiman Bin Baharon Maintenance Unit : Zulfadli Bin Jaafar Security Unit : Norimi Bin Che Othman Nazri Bin Muhammad
Masjid Jamek Mosque Partnership organisation
UNIT MULTIMEDIA & PENERBITAN MASJID JAMEK KUALA LUMPUR
JAWI Jabatan Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan
PAM PERTUBUHAN AKITEK MALAYSIA MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
Strategic Plan of Masjid Jamek, Sultan Abdul Samad in 2018-2022 Objective and Goals to achieve in 2022
Vision
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As a well profound Islamic follower (Ummah) worship religious place globally
Motto
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Mission
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Five Core strategies
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Strengthen religious value of Al-Quran and As-Sunnah Preaching Islamic knowledge through Masjid Ilmu and Dakwah Bilhal Integration, Proactive and strong management structure Showcase the significance Islamic art and culture through Tourism sector
Melestarikan Masjid Berstrategik
Optimise organisation and committee capacity to enhance proactiveness in achieving the vision and mission Strengthen mosque programmes through offering knowledge and shaping the well-being of Islamic community Improve economy sources and property management Enhance the built environment and facilities to ensure the user experience Integrate tourism sector to bridge in the Islamic community and other religious.
According to Act 645, Clause 42 - Duty to keep heritage site in good repair (1) The owner of a heritage site shall ensure the heritage site is always in a state of good repair.
Clause 43 - Financing conservation work (1) An owner of a heritage site may, for the purpose of carrying out any conservation and preservation works on the heritage site apply to the Commissioner for any grant or loan.
Conclusion Architectural conservation requires a balance between preserving the tangible & intangible values of the site. Masjid Jamek and its surroundings is currently undergoing immense revamping and improvement of its public realm, the result is a state of well-kept of its tangible elements, in terms of structure and its architecture. But in contrast, the result is a compromise by losing the old, intangible values of Masjid Jamek’s cultural footprints attract a new influx of visitors by accommodate for the modernity of the context. In long term, Masjid Jamek needs attention to preserve its intangibles in light of development.
References
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