LET US GO TO KAMPONG GLAM ...

Kampong Glam (or Kampong Gelam) is one of Singapore’s four Historic Districts. Gazetted as a conserved area since 1989, it is an important site for local Malay and Arab history, alongside that of other ethnic groups. It is a precinct rich in heritage and tradition, and a popular with both Singaporeans and overseas visitors.

History

Kampong Glam’s name was historically derived from the Gelam (Cajeput) trees which grew in abundance in the vicinity. The historic seat of Singapore’s Malay royalty, Kampong Glam was already in existence at the mouth of the Rochor River by the time Raffles arrived in 1819. The creation of the Raffles Town Plan in 1822 led to the allocation of designated ethnic enclaves across the new British port. Kampong Glam was allocated to the Malay community as well as the Muslim traders from the Malay Peninsula, Java, Sumatra, Celebes Islands, Riau, India and Southern Arabia based on their prominence, social and economic status. The second half of the 19th century saw a rapid influx of settlers from Sumatra and later from other parts of (what is now) Indonesia and Malaya. Chinese and Indian retailers also carried out business and lived in the area.

Conservation

Bounded by Beach Road, Jalan Sultan, Ophir Road and Victoria Street, Kampong Glam today consists mainly of two-storey shophouses. The quaint streetscapes are accented by two major landmarks – Sultan Mosque and Istana Kampong Glam (redeveloped into the Malay Heritage Centre in 2005). There are other heritage buildings which add to the neighbourhood’s unique character, including Gedung Kuning, Madrasah Alsagoff, the former Chung Chung Cheng & Chung Pen School (now the Aliwal Arts Centre), Malabar Mosque and Fatimah Mosque.