A BRIEF HISTORY
The two northern states of Kedah and Perlis show traces of Malay history that date back even before the Melaka Sultanate. This is the "rice-bank" of Malaysia and visitors are greeted with stretches of green 'padi'/rice plants gently swaying with the breeze which turn to a golden brown when the padi is ready for harvesting. The gentle plains merge with undulating hills and valleys, rising to the majestic limestone mountains in the north and east. The legendary Langkawi Archipelago steeped in history and myth, a haven for tourists, lies offshore. The history of both Kedah and Perlis has been intrinsically influenced by Thailand
The two northern states of Kedah and Perlis show traces of Malay history that date back even before the Melaka Sultanate. This is the "rice-bank" of Malaysia and visitors are greeted with stretches of green 'padi'/rice plants gently swaying with the breeze which turn to a golden brown when the padi is ready for harvesting. The gentle plains merge with undulating hills and valleys, rising to the majestic limestone mountains in the north and east. The legendary Langkawi Archipelago steeped in history and myth, a haven for tourists, lies offshore. The history of both Kedah and Perlis has been intrinsically influenced by Thailand
Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley)
Bujang Valley stretches all the way from Gunung Jerai in the North to Sungai Muda in the South. The area concentrated around the mouth of Sungai(River) Muda has been of economic importance to Kedah since as early as the 5th Century AD. Buddhist inscriptions found in the valley were proof that the Indian traders were already making frequent visits to the area during these early periods.
However 2 centuries before, Malay mariners were already making long-distance voyages across the Bay of Bengal, trading rainforest produce in return for metals, textiles and other rarities much sought after in their homelands as status symbols.
By the 7th century, trade with the Indians, Arabs and Chinese merchants in the Straits of Melaka had increased tremendously and the Bujang Valley evolved into an entrepot. The early mariners were totally reliant on the monsoon season, which also was dictated by the wind patterns. Therefore, it was impossible to make a voyage from China to India in one season. The traders had to wait out for the wind change in safe harbours such as at Bujang Valley.
Bujang Valley stretches all the way from Gunung Jerai in the North to Sungai Muda in the South. The area concentrated around the mouth of Sungai(River) Muda has been of economic importance to Kedah since as early as the 5th Century AD. Buddhist inscriptions found in the valley were proof that the Indian traders were already making frequent visits to the area during these early periods.
However 2 centuries before, Malay mariners were already making long-distance voyages across the Bay of Bengal, trading rainforest produce in return for metals, textiles and other rarities much sought after in their homelands as status symbols.
By the 7th century, trade with the Indians, Arabs and Chinese merchants in the Straits of Melaka had increased tremendously and the Bujang Valley evolved into an entrepot. The early mariners were totally reliant on the monsoon season, which also was dictated by the wind patterns. Therefore, it was impossible to make a voyage from China to India in one season. The traders had to wait out for the wind change in safe harbours such as at Bujang Valley.
Balai Nobat (Hall of Drums)
Balai Nobat belongs to the old Sultanate of Kedah. The Hall features the Nobat, the instruments of the royal orchestra. It comprises drums, gongs and a traditional flute. These instruments are played on special ceremonial occasions only. The musical skills of the Nobat are generally passed on from father to son.
Nobat not just famous in Malaysia but also famous in the world. Nobat or Naubat come from the combination of Sanskrit words, nau and nava that bring the meaning of nine and the word bah which means combine. So it means combination of nine different type of instrument.
The nine types of musical instruments are Nahara, two Gendang Besar, one Gong, one Nafiri, two serunai, two cheng cheng which made from bronze and there is one big cheng cheng and one small cheng cheng.
People believes that the tradition of Nobat comes from Parsi but those musical instruments being modified to suit the local musical instruments and those musical instruments that related to Hindu's religion. The music that produces by those nine musical instruments is very similar to Hindu's music. Because of this, 2 of the musical instruments were removed from the original combination.
Due to the changes, the total number of musical instruments reduces from nine to only 6. Those six musical instruments that are still being use are Nahara, two Gendang Besar, one Gong, one Nafiri, one serunai and one cheng cheng.
The Nobat is the symbol of power and greatness for the kings at that time. It also represents the greatness of the art of Hindu.
The Nobat usually will be played during every Friday and every time before Muslims goes to pray. When the prince ascends the throne, the Nobat will also be played. During the funeral of the king, the Nobat will also being play in the funeral.
There are few famous songs that usually play with Nobat are Dang Gendang, Nobat Raja, Arak-arak, Raja Burung, Belayar, Gendang Perang, Mambang Berkayuh, Seratan, Bayat and Dewa Raja.
Balai Nobat belongs to the old Sultanate of Kedah. The Hall features the Nobat, the instruments of the royal orchestra. It comprises drums, gongs and a traditional flute. These instruments are played on special ceremonial occasions only. The musical skills of the Nobat are generally passed on from father to son.
Nobat not just famous in Malaysia but also famous in the world. Nobat or Naubat come from the combination of Sanskrit words, nau and nava that bring the meaning of nine and the word bah which means combine. So it means combination of nine different type of instrument.
The nine types of musical instruments are Nahara, two Gendang Besar, one Gong, one Nafiri, two serunai, two cheng cheng which made from bronze and there is one big cheng cheng and one small cheng cheng.
People believes that the tradition of Nobat comes from Parsi but those musical instruments being modified to suit the local musical instruments and those musical instruments that related to Hindu's religion. The music that produces by those nine musical instruments is very similar to Hindu's music. Because of this, 2 of the musical instruments were removed from the original combination.
Due to the changes, the total number of musical instruments reduces from nine to only 6. Those six musical instruments that are still being use are Nahara, two Gendang Besar, one Gong, one Nafiri, one serunai and one cheng cheng.
The Nobat is the symbol of power and greatness for the kings at that time. It also represents the greatness of the art of Hindu.
The Nobat usually will be played during every Friday and every time before Muslims goes to pray. When the prince ascends the throne, the Nobat will also be played. During the funeral of the king, the Nobat will also being play in the funeral.
There are few famous songs that usually play with Nobat are Dang Gendang, Nobat Raja, Arak-arak, Raja Burung, Belayar, Gendang Perang, Mambang Berkayuh, Seratan, Bayat and Dewa Raja.
Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
Telaga Tujuh was situated at the down-hill of Mount Mat Cincang, which was about 23km away from Kuah that near to the east coastal of Langkawi island. The seven waterfalls were located near to each others and seems like been neatly arranged and became like a stair. The highest waterfall of Telaga Tujuh was 91 meter from the sea and the flow rate of the water in this waterfall was high due to the water was flow from the mountain peak. The water flowed from the first waterfall, which was the highest waterfall and then flowed to the second waterfall and continuously up to the seventh waterfall which was most near to the down-hill of Mount Mat Cincang. There had a legend said that Telaga Tujuh was a popular place to bath for the fairy from the mountain. The main reason of Telaga Tujuh became popular because it located far away from human being. The existence of the fairy had made the surrounding of the Telaga Tujuh smell sweat. Some said that the smell was come from the ingredient they used to wash their hair. However, those who want to walk to the place where the fairy bath, they had to get help from the guardian of fairy and ready to walk across the frozen forest.
Telaga Tujuh was situated at the down-hill of Mount Mat Cincang, which was about 23km away from Kuah that near to the east coastal of Langkawi island. The seven waterfalls were located near to each others and seems like been neatly arranged and became like a stair. The highest waterfall of Telaga Tujuh was 91 meter from the sea and the flow rate of the water in this waterfall was high due to the water was flow from the mountain peak. The water flowed from the first waterfall, which was the highest waterfall and then flowed to the second waterfall and continuously up to the seventh waterfall which was most near to the down-hill of Mount Mat Cincang. There had a legend said that Telaga Tujuh was a popular place to bath for the fairy from the mountain. The main reason of Telaga Tujuh became popular because it located far away from human being. The existence of the fairy had made the surrounding of the Telaga Tujuh smell sweat. Some said that the smell was come from the ingredient they used to wash their hair. However, those who want to walk to the place where the fairy bath, they had to get help from the guardian of fairy and ready to walk across the frozen forest.
Makam Mahsuri (Tomb of Mahsuri)
Legend has it that the pure white sandy beaches were originated from the seepage of white blood that flowed from the body of a beautiful princess named Mahsuri. Mahsuri, who was wrongly accused of having an adulterous affair, was quickly judged, condemned, and sentenced to death. Her continuous protest of innocence was in vain. However, during her execution none of the soldiers assigned as executioners could complete the task with their weapons. Her death was eventually brought about when the executioner plunged her own "kris" (dagger) into the princess. The blood, which flowed from her was white, thus depicting her innocence. With her dying breath, the princess laid a curse on the island, that the island would not prosper for seven generations. On the spot where she died, a tomb called Makam Mahsuri was erected where people from all walks of life come to relive the legend in its own backyard. This has now become something like a shrine and is a "must-see" among tourists. The Makam Mahsuri is a fine white marble that is surrounded by white walls - a clear reminder of her innocence. Her tomb is about 12km away from the main town of Kuah.
Legend has it that the pure white sandy beaches were originated from the seepage of white blood that flowed from the body of a beautiful princess named Mahsuri. Mahsuri, who was wrongly accused of having an adulterous affair, was quickly judged, condemned, and sentenced to death. Her continuous protest of innocence was in vain. However, during her execution none of the soldiers assigned as executioners could complete the task with their weapons. Her death was eventually brought about when the executioner plunged her own "kris" (dagger) into the princess. The blood, which flowed from her was white, thus depicting her innocence. With her dying breath, the princess laid a curse on the island, that the island would not prosper for seven generations. On the spot where she died, a tomb called Makam Mahsuri was erected where people from all walks of life come to relive the legend in its own backyard. This has now become something like a shrine and is a "must-see" among tourists. The Makam Mahsuri is a fine white marble that is surrounded by white walls - a clear reminder of her innocence. Her tomb is about 12km away from the main town of Kuah.
Padang Mat Sirat (The Field Of Burnt Rice)
In 1821, not long after Mahsuri's execution, Siam invaded Langkawi. To starve the invading Siamese soldiers, Dato Karma Jaya ordered all the rice on the island be collected and burnt in Padang Mat Sirat. This proved to be a foolish move, for locals soon starved to death due to this loss. Remnants of the burnt rice could still be seen in a cordoned area in Padang Mat Sirat, Kampung Raha. The burnt rice is said to have been buried below ground before being burnt, but often appears on the surface after a rainy day. The local authorities used to turn a blind eye to tourists taking some of the burnt rice home as souvenirs, but this practice has since been stopped due to dwindling amounts of burnt rice.
In 1821, not long after Mahsuri's execution, Siam invaded Langkawi. To starve the invading Siamese soldiers, Dato Karma Jaya ordered all the rice on the island be collected and burnt in Padang Mat Sirat. This proved to be a foolish move, for locals soon starved to death due to this loss. Remnants of the burnt rice could still be seen in a cordoned area in Padang Mat Sirat, Kampung Raha. The burnt rice is said to have been buried below ground before being burnt, but often appears on the surface after a rainy day. The local authorities used to turn a blind eye to tourists taking some of the burnt rice home as souvenirs, but this practice has since been stopped due to dwindling amounts of burnt rice.
Masjid Zahir (Zahir Mosque)This mosque was built in 1912, a contributory effort of YTM Tunku Mahmud Ibni Almarhum Sultan Tajuddin Mukarram Shah. The site of this mosque before it was built was the cemetery of the Kedah warriors who had died while defending Kedah from Siam (1821). The architecture of the mosque was inspired by the AZIZI Mosque in Langkat town, north Sumatera. This mosque is enhanced with five prime large domes symbolizing the five Islamic principles.
Its official launching ceremony was held on Friday, 15 October 1915 by the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. Tunku Mahmud read the Friday sermon while HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah led the Friday prayer. At the back of the Zahir Mosque, is the Syariah Court building complex and the Centre for Basic Education for Children.
The Zahir Mosque occupies a site of approximately 124,412 square feet. Its center hall (Prayer Hall) measures 62 x 62 square feet and surrounded by verandahs of 8 feet wide with 4 mezzanine areas of each has a dome. The main dome is located at the north-east of the mosque building.
Its official launching ceremony was held on Friday, 15 October 1915 by the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. Tunku Mahmud read the Friday sermon while HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah led the Friday prayer. At the back of the Zahir Mosque, is the Syariah Court building complex and the Centre for Basic Education for Children.
The Zahir Mosque occupies a site of approximately 124,412 square feet. Its center hall (Prayer Hall) measures 62 x 62 square feet and surrounded by verandahs of 8 feet wide with 4 mezzanine areas of each has a dome. The main dome is located at the north-east of the mosque building.
Grand Audience Hall (Balai Besar)
Initially the function of the building was the Balai Rong Seri or Balai Penghadapan (audience hall), that was situated at the back area of the Kota Setar Palace complex. The original building was built in 1735 by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah, the 19th Sultan of Kedah (1710-1778). The pillars, roofs and floors were made of wood.
This building was destroyed due to attacks by the Bugis armada (1770) and Siam (1821). During the reign of HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 26th Sultan of Kedah (1882-1943), this building was refurbished (1896) spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect with the Public Works Department of Kedah State for the wedding ceremony of His Royal Highness's five princes and princesses (1904).
Beside the wedding ceremony, the Balai Besar was used for installation ceremonies, official ceremonies, State Council Conferences since 1905 until 1973.
Two Kedah Sultans were officially installed at the Balai Besar: HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II, the 22nd Sultan of Kedah (1804-1845) in 1805 and HRH Tuanku Sultan Haji Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah on 20th February, 1959.
Design of the building
The design of the Balai Besar is of the characteristics of a Malay house with lengthy roof. On the left and right sections of the Balai Besar are the verandahs. The verandah at the right side of the throne was the area for the Ministers' children, warriors and official officers' children as well as the good citizens. The left verandah was the area for the religious men, merchants and the good citizens. The centre area of the balai (hall) was the place for "the children of the palace", those who held the royal regalia together with the ministers and main government officers in accordance to individual status right up to the ordinary people. The pillars and cross-beams were made of the highest quality of cengal wood from the state of Kedah. The roofs were made of rumbia (a type of palm-tree). Two large staircases were built in front of the Balai Besar, left and right ascending to the grand hall, rumah tangga, right verandah, left verandah as well as the pavilion, the throne and the Balai Siak located at the utmost back section of the bulding.
Initially the function of the building was the Balai Rong Seri or Balai Penghadapan (audience hall), that was situated at the back area of the Kota Setar Palace complex. The original building was built in 1735 by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah, the 19th Sultan of Kedah (1710-1778). The pillars, roofs and floors were made of wood.
This building was destroyed due to attacks by the Bugis armada (1770) and Siam (1821). During the reign of HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 26th Sultan of Kedah (1882-1943), this building was refurbished (1896) spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect with the Public Works Department of Kedah State for the wedding ceremony of His Royal Highness's five princes and princesses (1904).
Beside the wedding ceremony, the Balai Besar was used for installation ceremonies, official ceremonies, State Council Conferences since 1905 until 1973.
Two Kedah Sultans were officially installed at the Balai Besar: HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II, the 22nd Sultan of Kedah (1804-1845) in 1805 and HRH Tuanku Sultan Haji Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah on 20th February, 1959.
Design of the building
The design of the Balai Besar is of the characteristics of a Malay house with lengthy roof. On the left and right sections of the Balai Besar are the verandahs. The verandah at the right side of the throne was the area for the Ministers' children, warriors and official officers' children as well as the good citizens. The left verandah was the area for the religious men, merchants and the good citizens. The centre area of the balai (hall) was the place for "the children of the palace", those who held the royal regalia together with the ministers and main government officers in accordance to individual status right up to the ordinary people. The pillars and cross-beams were made of the highest quality of cengal wood from the state of Kedah. The roofs were made of rumbia (a type of palm-tree). Two large staircases were built in front of the Balai Besar, left and right ascending to the grand hall, rumah tangga, right verandah, left verandah as well as the pavilion, the throne and the Balai Siak located at the utmost back section of the bulding.
High Court (Mahkamah Tinggi)
This building is located at the junction of the Jalan Putera, adjacent to the Balai Nobat. Initially, this court building was the place for the existing Balai Seni which was earlier called the "High Court".
As engraved on a marble slab at one corner of the court, this building was built on Rabiulawal 1341 Hijrah equivalent to November 1922. Names of those who were responsible for the construction of the court were: HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (Regent), W. Peel Esq (British Adviser), Major W.R. Sanguinetti, O.B.E.M.C (State Engineer), F.W. Wade Esq. A.I.R.B. (Architect) and H.W. Fofden Esq (Contractor).
Looking at the architectural design it clearly shows that this building has more characteristics of Roman architectural. This can be seen by the design of the columns that are close to one another without regard of spaces for whatever purposes. Various types of carvings are found on the walls. At the top area close to the roof was placed the crest of the State of Kedah.
This building is located at the junction of the Jalan Putera, adjacent to the Balai Nobat. Initially, this court building was the place for the existing Balai Seni which was earlier called the "High Court".
As engraved on a marble slab at one corner of the court, this building was built on Rabiulawal 1341 Hijrah equivalent to November 1922. Names of those who were responsible for the construction of the court were: HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (Regent), W. Peel Esq (British Adviser), Major W.R. Sanguinetti, O.B.E.M.C (State Engineer), F.W. Wade Esq. A.I.R.B. (Architect) and H.W. Fofden Esq (Contractor).
Looking at the architectural design it clearly shows that this building has more characteristics of Roman architectural. This can be seen by the design of the columns that are close to one another without regard of spaces for whatever purposes. Various types of carvings are found on the walls. At the top area close to the roof was placed the crest of the State of Kedah.
Old Session Court Building (Bangunan Mahkamah Rendah Lama)
The Old Session Court building is located at Jalan Raja, Alor Star. The site of this old session court was originally the site of a small mosque (surau) owned by a religious man, Tuan Guru Haji Salleh, who originated from Penaga, Seberang Perai.
Tuan Guru Haji Salleh had once opened his religious settlement in that area. He had also served as adviser to the late HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah (1854 -1879) and appointed a religious teacher in the palace. This small mosque became the place for trials on cases related to Islamic Religious Law such as those pertaining to marriages, divorces and others.
The Session Court was built on the site of this small mosque in 1931 when Kedah was under British patronage. The architectural design of this building is similar to the High Court building that has Roman architectural characteristics
The Old Session Court building is located at Jalan Raja, Alor Star. The site of this old session court was originally the site of a small mosque (surau) owned by a religious man, Tuan Guru Haji Salleh, who originated from Penaga, Seberang Perai.
Tuan Guru Haji Salleh had once opened his religious settlement in that area. He had also served as adviser to the late HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah (1854 -1879) and appointed a religious teacher in the palace. This small mosque became the place for trials on cases related to Islamic Religious Law such as those pertaining to marriages, divorces and others.
The Session Court was built on the site of this small mosque in 1931 when Kedah was under British patronage. The architectural design of this building is similar to the High Court building that has Roman architectural characteristics
The Pelamin Palace (Istana Pelamin)
The Pelamin Palace or The House of Pelamin was built in the year 1736 during the reign of HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa (1710-1778). This palace became the place of residence of HRH Sultan of Kedah and a number of royal ceremonies were held in this palace.
The Pelamin Palace had undergone several changes since its destruction by the Bugis in 1771 and abandoned during the Siam occupancy from 1821 until 1842.
The Pelamin Palace consists of 3 main sections and these are:
- The right section was known as the House of Pelamin.
- The central section was the residence for women and children.
- The third/left section was once stayed by the HRH. Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.
After several years, HRH. Sultan Abdul Hamid moved to the rear section of the Pelamin palace.
The main function of the Pelamin Palace is the residence of the royal family and relatives. In the year 1851, the Pelamin Palace was refurbished by the late HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah.
In those days, the Pelamin Palace was the place for wedding feasts, wedding ceremonies and several other royal ceremonies. This palace was named the "Pelamin Palace" after the most joyous royal wedding ceremony was held there in 1904. It was the wedding of five princes and princesses of the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid. Today, the Pelamin Palace is turned into the Kedah Royal Museum that was opened to the public in 1983.
The Royal Museum (Muzium Di Raja)
This building which originated from the Kota Setar Palace is a wooden building that was built by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah, the 19th Sultan of Kedah (1710-1778), who was the founder of Alor Star town in 1735. This building had undergone demolitions several times due to attacks by the Bugis (1770) and Siamese (1821).
The concrete building was completed during the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah (1854-1879). His Royal Highness had once stayed in this palace with his queen, Wan Hajar Wan Ismail who was also known as "Mak Wan Besar". Therefore, this palace is also known as the "Mak Wan Besar Palace".
YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra was also born adjacent to this palace (the Pagoda building, which no longer exist today) on 8 February, 1903 and once grew up in this palace while his father the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid and his mother Mak Che Manjalara resided there.
This palace is also renowned as the "Pelamin Palace" when the space of the palace was extended to as a pavilion and additional rooms when HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah wanted to marry off his five princes and princesses. This grand wedding ceremony lasted for three months in 1904. After 1941, this palace was used as a school and an office for several organizations including the office for the St. John and the Scout movements. On 25 July 1983, this palace was declared the "Kedah Royal Museum".
This building which originated from the Kota Setar Palace is a wooden building that was built by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah, the 19th Sultan of Kedah (1710-1778), who was the founder of Alor Star town in 1735. This building had undergone demolitions several times due to attacks by the Bugis (1770) and Siamese (1821).
The concrete building was completed during the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah (1854-1879). His Royal Highness had once stayed in this palace with his queen, Wan Hajar Wan Ismail who was also known as "Mak Wan Besar". Therefore, this palace is also known as the "Mak Wan Besar Palace".
YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra was also born adjacent to this palace (the Pagoda building, which no longer exist today) on 8 February, 1903 and once grew up in this palace while his father the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid and his mother Mak Che Manjalara resided there.
This palace is also renowned as the "Pelamin Palace" when the space of the palace was extended to as a pavilion and additional rooms when HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah wanted to marry off his five princes and princesses. This grand wedding ceremony lasted for three months in 1904. After 1941, this palace was used as a school and an office for several organizations including the office for the St. John and the Scout movements. On 25 July 1983, this palace was declared the "Kedah Royal Museum".
Wan Muhammad Saman Building (Bangunan Wan Mahammad Saman)
This building is located at the Medan Bandar which is adjacent to the Royal Museum and the Balai Besar. The construction of this building started in 1941 during the British regime. Before the Second World War, this building was occupied by several important offices including the office of HRH Tuanku Sultan Kedah.
After the war, this building was once the Agriculture Office, headed by Tunku Yaakob, the Education Office, the Information Office as well as the Land Office.
This building was also the District Office of Kota Setar and currently occupied by the Kedah State Islamic Council Office. This building was named Wan Muhammad Saman Building in honour of the excellent contributions made by Dato' Wan Muhammad Saman towards the administration of this State. He was once appointed as the Prime Minister of Kedah State during the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah (1854-1879) and during the reign of the HRH Sultan Hamid Halim Shah (1882-1943). If we look at the structure of this building, we recognise that it has the characteristics of the Colonial architecture.
Wisma Negeri
In the past, the building was the centre of administration for the state of Kedah Darul Aman. The official launching of the building was on 11 Syawal 1393 equivalent to 8 September 1973 by HRH Tuanku Haji Abdul Malik ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, who was then the acting Sultan of Kedah. It is located adjacent to the Balai Besar building, at a field in the Alor Star town.
Initially, the building was the venue of important offices such as the office of HRH the Sultan, the Regent, the State Government Secretary and the office of State Treasury. Previously, these offices were located at the secretariat building, also known as 'opis dalam', that is a two-story building situated at the back section that was used since 1929. There is a Conference Hall in this building for members of the house of representatives of the State of Kedah. This was previously located at the Balai Besar since the foundation of the State Council in 1905.
On 15 April 1993, all important offices here including the State Legislative Council were moved to Wisma Darul Aman that is situated 1 kilometre from the town centre and at a junction between Jalan Tunku Bendahara, Jalan Sultanah and the Darul Aman Highway. While Wisma Negeri was the location of several other significant offices such as the Treasury and the Audit Office, the Land and Mines Office, and the Kota Setar District Office.
In terms of the building structure, the arch shape at each window makes it look marvelous. At the front of this building, can be seen the crest of the Kedah State which creates harmony. In addition, there is a fiber glass roof marking the main entrance to the building. Nevertheless, the Wisma Negeri building can be categoried as a building with elements of modern architecture.
Balai Seni
This building was the earliest modern government office that was built in the town of Alor Star. Its construction was spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect from the Kedah State Public Works Department. The construction of the building began on 21 January 1893, and he was also responsible for the restoration of the Balai Besar building.
This modern building with eastern and western architectural elements was initially the High Court and was officially opened by Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. This building was closed to make way for the special entertainment hall for very important people during the wedding ceremony of His Royal Highness's five princes and princesses which lasted for three months (June until September 1904).
In 1912, a number of offices were located here such as the office of the His Royal Highness's Sultan, the treasury and audit office and the British Adviser. In 1914, most of these offices were relocated to the Wan Muhammad Saman building. The building was later occupied by the Public Works Department and the Department of Drainage and Irrigation. In conjunction with the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the reign of HRH Tuanku Sultan Haji Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (1958-1983), this building was converted to the Balai Seni Negeri (State Art Gallery) which was officiated by His Royal Highness on 25 July, 1983.
This building was the earliest modern government office that was built in the town of Alor Star. Its construction was spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect from the Kedah State Public Works Department. The construction of the building began on 21 January 1893, and he was also responsible for the restoration of the Balai Besar building.
This modern building with eastern and western architectural elements was initially the High Court and was officially opened by Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. This building was closed to make way for the special entertainment hall for very important people during the wedding ceremony of His Royal Highness's five princes and princesses which lasted for three months (June until September 1904).
In 1912, a number of offices were located here such as the office of the His Royal Highness's Sultan, the treasury and audit office and the British Adviser. In 1914, most of these offices were relocated to the Wan Muhammad Saman building. The building was later occupied by the Public Works Department and the Department of Drainage and Irrigation. In conjunction with the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the reign of HRH Tuanku Sultan Haji Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (1958-1983), this building was converted to the Balai Seni Negeri (State Art Gallery) which was officiated by His Royal Highness on 25 July, 1983.
The Big Clock Tower (Menara Jam Besar)
This tower is located at Jalan Putera. It was built in 1912 and is now about 90 years old. At certain times, this clock will chime. In terms of its architecture, there are two elements that are being portrayed here, that are the Islamic and Hindu aspects.
The Islamic elements can be seen around the dome section with the crescent, a symbol that is usually seen on the roof of mosques. The carvings surrounding this tower are also Islamic design. However, if we observe the lower section of that tower, the carvings represent Hindu elements, especially at its entrance. Obviously, the design of this tower does not have foreign influence. It is a blend influence of the Islam religion and past Hinduism.
The construction of this Big Clock has connection with the Zahir Mosque in its role and function. It provides facility to the public especially to the muezzin who works in the Zahir Mosque to confirm the prayer times before the azan (the call to prayer) is made. In the past, this tower will chime at every prayer time, followed by the beating of the nobat at the Balai Nobat, and accordingly the call to prayer is made from the Zahir Mosque.
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