Masjid Kapitan Keling
Masjid Kapitan Keling is the largest historical mosque in George Town with significant historical and religious importance for the Tamil Muslims (Chulias) in Penang. Originally known as the Chulier Mosque, its initial timber structure was built to accommodate the growing Chulia population on the island.
In 1801, Sir George Leith, the Lieutenant Governor of Penang, appointed Cauder Mohuddeen Merican as the leader of the Chulia community. Merican was given the title Kapitan Keling (Captain of the South Indian community). The term ‘keling’ was historically used to denote Indians, though it is now considered offensive.
Merican received land from the East India Company to erect a "Mohammedan Church" and engaged builders and artisans from Tamil Nadu. In the early 1900s, extensions to the mosque were crafted in a Mughal or Indo-Saracenic style, with the elaborate roofs, walls, and vibrant stone and marble decorations you can see today. A madrasah (educational institution) was established at the mosque and remains active within the community. Sermons are conducted in both Tamil and Malay, reflecting the nature of the different ethnic worshippers in the mosque.
It is worth going for a free guided tour at the mosque to learn more from their welcoming guides.
