Kapitan Keling Mosque, Historic mosque in George Town, Malaysia
Kapitan Keling Mosque is a place of worship in George Town featuring an ochre yellow exterior with a central dome and four minarets. The building is surrounded by arched walkways that frame the main prayer hall.
The mosque was built in 1801 after Indian Muslim merchants received land from British authorities to establish their place of worship. In the 1930s, the main prayer hall underwent expansion to improve ventilation and allow more natural light.
The mosque bears the name of an Indian sea captain and reflects the presence of a Muslim community that has inhabited this area for centuries. Visitors notice the geometric patterns covering the walls, which follow Islamic artistic traditions while avoiding any human or animal imagery.
The mosque is located at the intersection of Buckingham Street and Pitt Street in central George Town. As an active place of worship, visitors should wear respectful clothing and be mindful of prayer times.
The prayer hall roof was significantly raised during a major renovation in the 1930s to allow better circulation of light and air. This alteration noticeably changed the way the interior feels when you step inside.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
