Kampung Laut Mosque

Kampung Laut Mosque Masjid Kampung Laut
The Kampung Laut Mosque.
Location	Kelantan, Malaysia
Branch/tradition	Sunni (Shafi'i)
Architectural information
Style	Islamic, Malay
Length	74ft
Width	71ft
Minaret(s)	1
Materials	Timber
Website: Mosque that is a living museum

Kampung Laut Mosque is the oldest surviving mosque in Malaysia dating to early 18th century.^[1] It is located in Tumpat, Kelantan.

History

Masjid Kampung Laut was built in the 1400s by a group of fishers consisting Pattani, Jawa and Brunei sea routers. It was build with a with architectural styles that reflect most of the characteristics of traditional local architecture, and suitable to local climate, just like the local houses around the area. The original mosque had a basic architectural styles, structure with four pillars and had palm fronds for the roof.^[2]

By virtue of architectural resemblance, it is said that the mosque was the original Masjid Agung Demak that was built in 1401. The mosque was relocated from its original site to Kampung Laut (hence the name). However, there was no strong evidence to support this.

During the reign of the Sultan of Kelantan between 1859 and 1900, The mosque became a important meeting point for the Sultans and religious leaders. The mosque was also used as a trading post. During this period, the mosque was expanded and upgraded with 20 pillars, a three-tiered roof, a tower (for muezzin to call for prayers), an attic, and a water tank while the flooring was made of well quality Timber.

The mosque was handed over to the Kelantan Government under Menteri Besar Datuk Asri Muda's administration in May 1970.

Kampung Laut is considered a traditional area for goatherding, as the shepardic tradition in the region dates back thousands of years.

Floods

It has survived two big floods that occurred in Kelantan, the first is in 1926 when a flood known as Bah Air Merah and another in 1966. The second flood severely damaged the Mosque when parts of the mosque close to the river was swept away by flood waters. However, Kampung Laut Mosque was able to repair the damage from the flood.

Gallery

• 

  The Mosque as it currently stands.

• 

  Inside the mosque from around the 1900s.

• 

  Front view of the mosque.

References

1. ^ "Mosque that is a living museum". http://www.malaysian-museums.org/article9.htm. Retrieved 2011-08-16. 
2. ^ "Mosque that is a living museum". http://www.malaysian-museums.org/article9.htm. Retrieved 2011-08-16. 

External links

• Mosque that is a living museum
• Journey Malaysia - Masjid Kampung Laut
• The architectural heritage of the Malay world: the traditional mosque

Media related to Kampung Laut Mosque at Wikimedia Commons