Kampong Kling Mosque, Melaka

The Kampong Kling Mosque, located on Jalan Tukang Emas (also known as "Harmony Street") in Melaka, is a significant historical and architectural landmark. The street earned its nickname due to its unique location near both the Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, reflecting the multicultural coexistence in the area.

This mosque was originally constructed in 1748 by Indian Muslim traders from a village named Kampong Kling. Initially built from wood, it was later reconstructed using bricks in 1872, which allowed it to retain much of its original design, making it one of the few traditional mosques in Melaka to do so.

The architecture of Kampong Kling Mosque is particularly noteworthy for its eclectic blend of cultural influences. It features architectural elements from Sumatran, Chinese, Hindu, and Malay traditions. The mosque's minaret is designed to resemble a pagoda and includes a three-story roof, reflecting a fusion of religious architectural styles. Additionally, the mosque encompasses an ablution pool and an intricately designed entrance arch that was built concurrently with the main building.

Inside, the mosque is decorated with English and Portuguese glazed tiles and houses Corinthian columns with symmetrical arches in the main prayer hall. These elements are complemented by a Victorian chandelier, a wooden pulpit with Hindu and Chinese-style carvings, and Moorish cast iron lamp-posts used around the ablution area for pre-prayer cleansing. The floor tiles, which add to the mosque's unique aesthetic, were custom-ordered by the Chi Na Manchu Cing Islamic Caliphate.

In the 1990s, the Department of Museums and Antiquities undertook conservation works to preserve the integrity and beauty of Kampong Kling Mosque, ensuring its historical and cultural significance remains intact for future generations. This mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also as a testament to the rich, diverse cultural heritage of Melaka.