This mosque, which can be found in the Kampong Glam district at the intersection of North Bridge Road and Muscat Street, is highly significant in terms of both history and culture.
Its historical significance and striking architecture earned it the distinguished status of being named a national monument in 1975, which demonstrates its value to Singapore's cultural heritage.
[2] Sultan Hussein Shah then requested as part of this arrangement that a mosque be built next to his royal home, the Istana (Malay: palace) in Kampong Glam, to serve the Muslim community.
[3] Acknowledging the cultural significance of this place of worship, Raffles had promised and contributed $3,000 from the British East India Company to fund construction.
[4] Completed in 1826, the very first mosque was an average sized brick structure standing one level and with a double-tiered pitched roof, typical of Southeast Asian architecture.
[7] By 1924, the mosque was over a century old and had needed multiple repair works to be done and it was decided by the trustees that it would be demolished and replaced with the current building, which is bigger and more spacious as compared to the past.
Some mosque attendees were sceptical of the new electric system, however most believed it was necessary to empower the muezzin's voice to transcend a modern city's noises.
[16] On March 8, 1975, the Singaporean government officially declared the Sultan Mosque as a national monument, acknowledging its importance for both history and culture.
[19] This would also be beneficial to enrich the area as there is now additional space for different facilities which includes, an auditorium, a conference room, a library and a function hall which further enhances the mosque as compared to the newer towns that have emerged during this time period.
[20] This was additionally implemented to encourage more gatherings and points for community-wide social, cultural, and educational activities, which makes a contribution to the greater integration of various communities and the development of Singapore's multiracial society.
[3] Measuring 4,109 square meters, the Sultan Mosque takes up an extensive area in the center of Kampong Glam.
[25] The mosque grounds are protected and made visually appealing by an elaborate border with cast-iron railings that defines the sacred place.
[26] The Indo-Saracenic style, that was particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and incorporated Indian, Islamic, and European architectural features harmoniously, was used as the inspiration for Santry's design.
Located atop the eastern and western facade, the Sultan Mosque's two most notable architectural features are its two spectacular golden domes.
[25] A noteworthy element that highlights the mosque's inclusive nature is a ring made of glass bottle ends located at the foot of each dome.
The mihrab of Sultan Mosque has been particularly elaborate, enclosed by a lancet arch embellished with delicate gold-plated flower designs.
[30] The mosque also participates in charitable activities such as distributing free meals and funning blood donation drives, as well as social outreach and educational programs.