Jamae Mosque, Singapore

Jamae Mosque stands as one of the earliest mosques in Singapore, situated along South Bridge Road within the Chinatown district, nestled within the Central Area. Founded by Chulias from the Tamil Muslim community on South India's Coromandel Coast, Singapore's Jamae Mosque was the first of three mosques established by these traders and money changers. The original mosque was built around 1826 under Ansar Saib's leadership on South Bridge Road, and the current Jamae Mosque was constructed on the same site between 1830 and 1835.

Remarkably, the current structure has remained largely unchanged since its completion in 1835, despite two proposals for its reconstruction. In 1996, repair work was carried out on the mosque. While Jamae Mosque is oriented towards Mecca, its compound aligns with the surrounding street grid.

Architecturally, the mosque exhibits an eclectic style that mirrors the architectural trends of 1830s Singapore. The entrance gate distinctly reflects South Indian influences, while the two prayer halls and the shrine adopt a Neo-Classical style reminiscent of the work of George Drumgoole Coleman, the first trained architect in Singapore. This unique blend of architectural elements has made Jamae Mosque an iconic and frequently photographed landmark, appearing on postcards dating back to the 19th century up to the present day.

Recognizing its historical significance, Jamae Mosque was designated a National Monument on November 19, 1974, underscoring its enduring cultural and historical value.