Wonder how Acheen Street Mosque became a vital religious and community hub in George Town? This mosque stands as a testament to Penang’s rich history. It reflects the island’s diverse cultural heritage.
Acheen Street Mosque is also known as Masjid Melayu Lebuh Aceh. It is a prominent mosque that you must visit. The Acheen Street Mosque is about a five-minute walk from Masjid Kapitan Keling. Built in 1808, it followed the completion of Masjid Kapitan Keling by six years.
Tunku Sayyid Hussain Al-Aidid founded Acheen Street Mosque. He was a respected leader of the Malay community. Tunku Sayyid Hussain Al-Aidid recognized the need for a mosque. This need arose because Friday sermons at Masjid Kapitan Keling were delivered in Tamil.
Tunku Sayyid Hussain Al-Aidid, who died in 1840, hailed from the Aceh royal family in Indonesia. He ran a successful spice trading business. In 1791, he signed an agreement with Captain Francis Light. It asserted his independent authority. It also secured free trade rights, including in tin. Besides his Penang ventures, Tunku Sayyid Hussain acted as an agent for Palmer & Co. This company was based in Calcutta, India. He owned at least three trading vessels. Tunku Sayyid Hussain also possessed George Town’s first high-rise. This four-storey building housed his office. It also served as a spice warehouse. Valued at $6,000 Spanish dollars, the warehouse was known as Rumah Tinggi. This made Tunku Sayyid Hussain Al-Aidid the third richest man in George Town. He followed Captain Francis Light and James Scott.
Tunku Sayyid Hussain’s wealth allowed him to loan $50,000 Spanish dollars to the East India Company. This happened when it faced financial difficulties in 1815. By 1820, Tunku Sayyid Hussain had dedicated 66,000 square feet of waqaf land for religious purposes. Rental income from around 14 properties funded the mosque’s trust. The trust supported charitable activities like education. A house for Malay children was built on the waqaf land.
After Tunku Sayyid Hussain’s death in 1840, Acheen Street continued to thrive. It became a center for hajj pre-departure activities. Penang Port became the region’s sole departure point for hajj in the mid-19th century. Masjid Melayu Lebuh Aceh became a key center for religious studies. It catered to pilgrims. Spiritual leaders like Shaykh Omar Basheer al-Khalidi emerged here. Shaykh Omar served as the mosque’s imam. The British sought his help to resolve community conflicts in Penang.
Notably, the tombs of the mosque’s founder and his family are in a sanctified corner. Another detail is the unrepaired cannon crater on the walls. It is mistaken for architectural embellishment.
If you only have two days in Penang, visit Acheen Street Mosque. Also visit Maqam Tunku Sayyid Hussain Al-Aidid at Acheen Street Mosque. These sites offer a glimpse into Penang’s vibrant past.