INTERIOR MOTIFS AND DESIGNS OF THE MALACCA MOSQUE: A Discussion of the Kampung Kling Mosque

Arriving in Malacca in 15th century, the Chinese and Indian traders carried their culture and custom with them. It has brought profound implications on aspects of the architecture and motif decoration of mosques in Malacca, which belongs to the Sino-eclectic style. This writing focuses on Sino-eclectic mosque like a Kampung Keling mosque which has three roofs and is located in Malacca town. Because of its strategic location and closeness to other worship places, most of the muslim traders who came to Malacca stop by to pray at the mosque. The remains of their activities at this mosque can be recognized through the motifs and visual designs decorating the mosque which show the immense influence of Chinese and Indian, and therefore, the author of this paper decided to study the magnificent heritage. There are plenty of visual symbols and motifs found in the mosque. They comprise elements of flora, fauna, geometry, cosmos and calligraphy, and are highlighted to increase the aesthetic value and uniqueness of the old mosque. This study yielded fact that the use of the motifs and drawings in the mosque is permitted as it does not violate the boundaries of syariah, which makes Islam easily accepted in Malay.

AN EVALUATION OF THE EARLIEST THOUGHT AND PHILOSOPHY ON MOSQUES IN MALACCA

Purpose of the study: This study discusses architectural thought and philosophy that focus on traditional mosques in Melaka in the 18th century. Amongst the oldest and most famous mosques in Melaka are the Peringgit Mosque (1720 AD), Kampung Hulu Mosque (1728 AD), Tengkera Mosque (1728 AD) and Kampung Keling Mosque (1748 AD). Methodology: In this study, the qualitative methodology focusing on research was used where the analysis of documents and observations were conducted. Main Findings: The finding of this study revealed that the architectural philosophy shows human relationships with nature are based on the divine concept. The architectural features also illustrate the philosophy of human life and the beauty of the architecture illustrates the height or level of values in individuals. The beauty of the mosque is highlighted through the motifs in the mosque’s decorations which have no contradiction to Islamic values.         Applications of this study: This study involved two historical mosques in Melaka, which are the Tengkera Mosque (1728 AD) and Kampung Hulu Mosque (1728 AD).   Novelty/Originality of this study: These mosques have been directly influenced by the characteristics of Islamic, Chinese and Indian architecture; in the context of building structures, designs and decorations. This study showed that although the Islamic community was influenced by external elements, they were an open-minded community and willing to accept and adapt to such influence