Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam is one of 10 sub-zones of the Rochore area located in the central region. It has been the Malay-Muslim Quater since the 1800s. It is full of traditional stores selling carpets, household wares and textiles. The Sultan Mosque, which is the main landmark, sits in the heart of this area and is open to all visitors, as is the nearby Malay Heritage Centre, where one can learn about Malay history and culture.

History

In Malay, the word Kampung means village or settlement and Glam is the name of a particular tree, which grew in abundance in the area in early Singapore. In the beginning, Kampong Glam was a fishing village situated at the mouth of Rochor River.  It became more populated and grew into prominence after the Sultan of Singapore, Hussein Mohammed Shah and the Temenggong signed a treaty with the East India Company in 1819. In 1822 Town Plan, Sir Stamford Raffles allocated Kampong Glam to the Malays, Bugis and Arabs. Aside from the Sultan's family, residents of the area included the Bugis, Arabs, Javanese and Boyanese. Immigrants of Muslim faith who were allocated to reside at Kampong Glam. These migrants settled amongst their own ethnic groups, which gave rise to different "mini-kampongs" such as Kampong Bugis, Kampong Java and Kampong Malacca. By the 1920s, the Kampong had descended into notoriety so much so that it was famed more for its red-light district than its distinctive community. Rough justice, robberies, street brawls and stabbings were common.The elegant, Moorish-influenced Sultan Mosque was rebuilt in 1924, and continues to be an important beacon for Muslims.

Converting to a Malay Conservation Area

On 7 July 1989, the historic district of Kampong Glam was gazetted a conservation area. In 1993, the Singapore Government first announced its plan to develop the Istana Kampong Glam. Then on 12 March 1999 it was announced that the Istana would be converted into a "Malay Heritage Centre". 

Today

Kampong Glam has been renovated and restored, bringing back the former colour and vibrancy of the area. 

Arab Street, Baghdad Street and Bussorah Street- Rows of conserved shophouses can be found and many of these shophouses have new tenants such as design and IT firms, art galleries, crafts and curios shops, food caterers and restaurants. They blend in with traditional businesses like textile and carpet shops, perfumers and shops selling religious items used by Muslims.

Muscat Street- The Sultan Mosque with its golden dome is the main highlight of Kampong Glam. The mosque features a carpet that was donated by a prince of Saudi Arabia. 

Malay Heritage Centre - the Malay Heritage Centre provides wonderful cultural exposure and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests. Situated amidst the Istana Kampong Gelam, Gedung Kuning and the surrounding Kampong Gelam precinct, the Centre acts as a vital heritage institution for the Malay community in Singapore. Through its exhibits, programmes and activities, the Centre hopes to honour the past while providing a means for present-day expression. 

Kampong Glam is a gem of Singapore’s history and culture. An amazing place to experience the hospitality of the Malay people and learn about Muslim customs, this is one of the ethnic quarters that you simply should not miss.

Other Useful Links:

A Video Clip about Kampong Glam-  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV6k3-3sSVE 

Virtual Tour of Kampong Glam - http://www.singaporevr.com/vrs/kampong_glam/

Bibliography 

1. "Kampong Glam." - YourSingapore.com. Your Singapore, n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. <http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/shopping/shopping-in-singapore/kampong-glam.html>.

2. Vernon, Cornelius. "Kampong Glam." Infopedia. National Library Board, 2011. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. <http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_249_2004-12-16.html>.

3. "SINGAPORE VR - Kampong Glam - Bussorah Street." SINGAPORE VR - Kampong Glam - Bussorah Street. Singapore VR, n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. <http://www.singaporevr.com/vrs/kampong_glam/>.

4. Heritage TV Season 2 - Kampong Glam. YouTube. YouTube, 27 Jan. 2011. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV6k3-3sSVE>.

5. "Introduction." Malay Heritage Centre. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. <http://www.malayheritage.org.sg/aboutus/index.htm>.

6. Masjid Sultan. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2012. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Masjid_Sultan.JPG/300px-Masjid_Sultan.JPG>.