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ArchitectureZahir Masjid
Stylistically, Masjid Zahir is the combination between several Islamic schools of architecture. The main dome is of Indian Mughal affiliation being noticeable from the flower on the top of the dome. However, the multi-foils arches and the thin columns are the characters of Moorish influence. The combination of the Mughal and the Moorish influence is the characteristic of Islamic architecture in British colonization period of Malaysian art.
ArchitectureMasjid Kepitan Keling
Masjid Kapitan Kling bears the strong influence from Indian Mughal art. The triple domes with the Ghanta (the flowery motif) on the cap of the central dome, the use of Pishtaq in the center of the body and the Chatri (the small copula) on the top of the minaret are of the examples of Mughal characters in this mosque. British architects were responsible for the popularization of the Mughal style of mosque in Malaysia. As the mosque was firstly built by an Indian, the architect of his mosque attempted to design this mosque to be under the Indian inspiration.
SculptureMinaret: Masjid Kepitan Keling
Masjid Kepitan Keling got the main inspiration from Mughal art of India. There is a possibility that the mosque’s architect try to make the mosque look Indian as much as possible to response with the profile of the first founder who came from India. Thus, the mosque’s minaret shows the influence from Mughal art for example the octagonal shape with terraces. On top is Chhatri, the octagonal pavilion with 8 pillars that support small dome.
ArchitectureMinaret: Masjid Melayu
The minaret of this mosque is outstanding. The structure has a tapering shape with one terrace on top. This shape looks like the lighthouse or tower for navigating. Lighthouse is the British culture that they bring to Malaysia and give the inspiration to the lighthouse shape minaret in Malaysian art. Beside this mosque, Masjid Kampong Hulu in Melaka also uses this style of minaret, too.
ArchitectureSultan Masjid
This mosque is of Mughal-Moorish style which was so popular during the British colonization period, comparable to most of mosques in Malaysia designed by the British. The Indian style is noticeable from the dome with the cylindrical drum and the flower petals on the top of the dome. Indian-styled Chhatri pavilions are also applied for this mosque. However, the multi-foil arch in the centre is of Moorish style, not Indian one.
ArchitectureHajjah Fatimah Masjid
This is a very interesting Masjid as it combines the styles of Mokul art from India with European art. In particular, the tower of this Masjid is of European style being an octagonal tower with a marquee shape at the top. This is very similar to Christian churches in Europe. The design of this Masjid was done by British architects.
ArchitectureMasjid Melayu
Masjid Melayu has been built up in Southeast Asian style. The wooden beams were used to support the tile roof instead of dome. This building has the sloping roof which suits the rainy climate all year round. However, the façade of this building mixes the Spanish Moorish arch, the horseshoe arch. This show the Spanish influence that come in the colonial era with the British architect.
ArchitectureMasjid Ubudiyah
Masjid Ubudiyah is said to be the most beautiful mosque in Malaysia. With the octagonal centralize plan covered with huge dome and Indian tower on 4 sides. This mosque also has huge buttress on eight corner of this octagonal structure.
