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Kapitan Keling Mosque

Indian Muslim Faith Center

The Kapitan Keling Mosque in the Little India area of Penang is the oldest mosque in Penang, dating back to 1801. It has a large Mughal-style dome, a marble floor, and a horseshoe-shaped arch between the pillars of the central prayer hall.

In Southeast Asia, the term “Keling” refers to the ethnic Indian population. “Kapitan”, on the other hand, is the representative chosen by the ruler to govern the people of the same community. The Kapitan Keling Mosque was founded by the local Kapitan Keling in 1801 as a center of Muslim faith of Indian origin and is Penang's Oldest Mosque.

Manywhere Trivia:
Besides Kapitan Keling, the head of local Chinese community is called Kapitan Cina. You can find a Chinese Temple Founded by Kapitan Cina in Kuala Lumpur.

Located in the Little India neighborhood of Penang, the Kapitan Keling Mosque is an important part of the World Heritage Sites in Georgetown, Penang. It has a Large Mughal-style Dome and a White Minaret towering in the front lawn.

Originally built by the East India Company, the Kapitan Keling Mosque was remodeled in the early 20th century, and while the area of the mosque was reduced by half from its original size, the main building was completely renovated and expanded. The church was built with White Marble Floor and decorated with horseshoe-shaped arches between the pillars. The Central Prayer Hall under the Dome is twice as high as it was before the renovation, with improved illuminations.