List of mosques in Brunei
[2] In 1975, this early mosque was reported by researcher Robert Nicholl as being vast and elaborate, with gilding and half-relief, during Francisco de Sande's raid in 1578.
[7] Later in 2004, Pengiran Badarudin determined that Sultan Saiful Rijal constructed the mosque, which had a high hip-tiered roof with a pyramidal design influenced by Malay architecture.
Mosques and balai ibadat with roofs made of nibong leaves had been constructed at Berakas, Subok, and Melabau by the 18th century, all using sturdy wood materials.
The 1930s saw an increase in the building of mosques outside of Brunei Town, notably those at Jalan Gadong and Kampong Lambak, both of which were destroyed during World War II.
However, when enrolment increased quickly, mosques stopped to be used as formal schools and the government built new facilities to house the growing number of pupils.
In Kampong Sultan Lama, a mosque was constructed prior to World War II, but it was demolished during Japanese occupation of Brunei from 1941 to 1945.
[11] Before the 1950s, Brunei's mosques were built from wood, bamboo, and palm leaves, featuring Malay vernacular architecture with wooden rooms on stilts and pyramidal roofs for ventilation.
Many mosques combine traditional and vernacular architecture, utilising regional materials and ornamental aspects to preserve cultural identity, even while they are influenced by foreign forms.
No historic timber mosques remain, in contrast to those in Malaysia and Indonesia, since they were either destroyed or demolished during the Japanese occupation and rebuilt with brick and concrete structures.
The Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act of 1967 established Brunei's legislative framework for protecting its architectural history, classifying ancient monuments as those built before 1 January 1894.
The Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque, with its quadrangular hall, straight lines, round drum, and dome, is a prime example of traditional Arabic architecture.
Brunei's mosques' fusion of traditional Malay and Arabic architectural forms highlights the country's commitment to conserving its cultural legacy while embracing modernity.
With a square main hall set on an elevated platform with an arched veranda, its design pays homage to the tropical environment and distinct cultural character of the area.
[17] When building the Suri Seri Begawan Raja Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque in Madang, architect Dato Idris Haji Abbas used a similar Malay Islamic vernacular style known as MIB architecture.
[18] This mosque has an extended multifunctional room that resembles a longhouse, a square floor plan, and a tiered pyramidal roof with a center round dome.
[19] The modular design of traditional Malay buildings, which has horizontal spatial hierarchies and connecting passageways that offer places for multiple activities including multipurpose rooms, libraries, and social spaces, is a common influence for mosques in Brunei.
The significance of incorporating Islamic, Malay, royal, and ceremonial features into Brunei's architectural designs—especially for government buildings—was emphasized at a conference conducted in February 2013.
This strategy is demonstrated by the Al-Falaah School in Diplomatic Enclave, which combines Islamic architectural features, traditional Malay culture, and royal symbols.
The construction of mosques in Brunei is influenced by Middle Eastern traditions, but it also takes into account local cultural identity and natural elements, demonstrating the country's dedication to maintaining its own architectural character.
The boat itself is lavishly embellished with floral and vegetal designs that draw inspiration from Bruneian textile weaving patterns and royal regalia.
The mosque's water fountain and ablution area are also adorned with mosaics that mimic the rich colours, patterns, and designs of Brunei's best songket textiles, which are highly prized and integral to royal customs.
The architectural embellishment of both religious and secular structures notably featured the foliage pattern known as air muleh, which is regarded as a national emblem and reflects the Malay identity and character of the Bruneians.
The main hall's chandelier discreetly displays wing pairs, a component of the royal and national symbols, while the minarets' octagonal tessera produce a "pixelated" look evocative of traditional Bruneian woven fabrics.
