Nine new coins three sovereigns and six dollars. These were placed beneath the foundation stone of the Jamek Mosque. This wasn’t just any mosque. This was Kuala Lumpur’s primary mosque a grand structure built in 1909. It replaced the old Java Street Mosque. The old mosque was demolished to widen the street.
The Jamek Mosque stands proudly at the meeting point of the Gombak and Klang rivers. Its design a masterful blend of Mughal and Moorish styles is breathtaking. Onion-shaped domes and kiosk-topped minarets reach for the sky. The architect Arthur Benison Hubback created a masterpiece. He was a Federal PWD Assistant Architect.
The foundation stone itself was a significant event. It was laid on March 23 1908. The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Alaudin Suleiman performed the ceremony. He was accompanied by the British Resident Mr HC Belfield. The architect Mr AB Hubback was also present. The Sultan gave a speech thanking everyone for their contributions. The Malay community and the FMS government funded the mosque. The cost was a considerable sum 33538.25 Straits Dollars.
The Jamek Mosque wasn’t just beautiful. It was practical too. The prayer hall was spacious accommodating the growing population of Kuala Lumpur. The minarets featured cast iron spiral staircases made by the St Pancras Ironworks Co. The building is made of brick with concrete castings and plaster. The domes were made of timber covered with malthoid roofing and painted white. The floors were paved with Doulton tiles.
Sadly the Jamek Mosque suffered damage during World War II. Japanese bombs struck on September 26 1941. Three worshippers lost their lives. The building sustained considerable damage. Despite this the Jamek Mosque persevered. It became a symbol of resilience and faith.
In 2009 the Jamek Mosque achieved national recognition. It was gazetted as a National Heritage site of Malaysia. Today the Jamek Mosque continues to serve its community. It’s a place of worship and a testament to history. It is a must-see landmark in Kuala Lumpur. The Jamek Mosque stands as a beacon a reminder of the city’s rich past and vibrant present. It is a true architectural marvel a fusion of cultures and a symbol of unity. The Jamek Mosque is much more than just a building it’s a story waiting to be uncovered.