“Singapore’s leaning tower” is more than just a nickname. It is the unique minaret of Masjid Hajjah Fatimah. This mosque stands as a testament to a remarkable woman and a blend of architectural styles.
Masjid Hajjah Fatimah is on Beach Road in Kampong Glam. It is a significant landmark with a fascinating history. Are you ready to discover its secrets?
This mosque is named after Hajjah Fatimah. She was a wealthy businesswoman and philanthropist. The mosque is special because it is the first local mosque named after a woman.
Hajjah Fatimah was born in Malacca around 1754. She married a Bugis prince named Daing Chanda Pulih. He had a trading post in Singapore. After his death, she expanded his business. She became known as the “Sultana of Gowa” because of her wealth.
Her house became a target. Thieves burgled it twice and set it on fire. Hajjah Fatimah survived unharmed. She felt grateful for her safety. To show her gratitude, she built Masjid Hajjah Fatimah on the site of her former residence.
Construction on Masjid Hajjah Fatimah finished in 1846. It showcases a mix of Islamic and European styles. The minaret is quite special. It looks like a church spire. Some people think John Turnbull Thomson designed it. He also designed St Andrew’s Cathedral. There is no proof of this.
The minaret has a noticeable tilt. It leans about six degrees. This is due to moisture seepage and shifting bricks. The sandy soil also contributes to the tilt. People affectionately call it “Singapore’s leaning tower”.
The main prayer hall was rebuilt in the 1930s. Chinese architects Chung & Wong designed it. French contractors and Malay workers constructed it. This gave the mosque an even more diverse style.
Hajjah Fatimah is buried on the mosque grounds. Her daughter and son-in-law are also buried here. The Alsagoff family took over her business. They also became keepers of the Masjid Hajjah Fatimah.
Masjid Hajjah Fatimah became a national monument on 28 June 1973. It is now owned by Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura. Hajjah Fatimah was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014.
Look closely at the blend of styles. Notice the Indo-Saracenic dome. Admire the Moorish wooden balcony. See the European-style pilasters and Chinese glazed tiles. Masjid Hajjah Fatimah is a treasure. It is a beautiful reminder of Singapore’s rich history. It honors a remarkable woman’s legacy.