Masjid Kampung Kling

So far, most of the structures I have visited here in Melaka’s Chinatown have been understandably Chinese. Most of which are either temples or clan associations. Lest anyone forget, Melaka is a multicultural society as is the rest of Malaysia. As a sign of how multi-racial Melaka was several centuries back, the Masjid Kampung Kling or Kampung Kling Mosque, stands as a testament to this fact.

The mosque was build as early as 1748 in its current design which apparenlty is a combination of several cultures architectural styles, which naturally includes Chinese, since it is in Chinatown. Most noteworthy here is the minaret which has an uncanny resemblance to a Chinese pagoda. The Kampung Kling Mosque is still in active use, women who wish to explore the mosque will need to cover up though. Shawls are available to borrow for women who forget.

Behind the mosque itself is a pool for cleansing oneself for prayers. Interestingly the pool itself is raised. Further behind that the pool is a small cemetry underneath a mango tree. Although, historical Melaka is a mostly Chinese society, the presence of the Kampung Kling Mosque is a reminder that Melaka is not just about the Chinese. After all one of Melaka’s historical figures, and after whom the streets are named after a Malay.

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