Jamae (Chulia) Mosque

"Jamae Mosque, established in 1826, is one of Singapore's earliest mosques and is located on South Bridge Road in the Chinatown district. Also known as Chulia Mosque or Periya Paḷḷi within the Tamil Muslim community, it stands alongside the Sri Mariamman Temple, making a notable presence in a predominantly Chinese area. The adjacent Mosque Street may have derived its name from the mosque. The mosque was founded by the Chulias, Tamil Muslims from the Coromandel Coast of South India, who primarily arrived in Singapore as traders and money changers. Jamae Mosque was the first of three mosques established by this community, followed by Al-Abrar Mosque and Nagore Durgha, both on Telok Ayer Street. Initially, a mosque was set up on South Bridge Road under the leadership of Ansar Saib around 1826, but the current structure was completed between 1830 and 1835. Over the years, the mosque has seen changes in management, with a new panel of court-appointed trustees taking over in 1894 and the Mohammedan and Hindu Endowments Board managing it until 1968. Despite proposals for rebuilding, the mosque has largely retained its original structure since its completion. It was gazetted as a national monument on November 19, 1974, recognizing its historical significance. In 2022, plans were announced for a S$3 million restoration project, with completion expected by 2025. The mosque's entrance features a striking gateway flanked by two minarets topped with onion domes and a miniature palace façade. Each minaret is adorned with a mihrab motif and designed with intricate details. The mosque compound includes a covered foyer, the main prayer hall, and an ancillary prayer hall, as well as a shrine dedicated to Muhammad Salih Valinvah, a local Muslim religious leader whose grave predates the mosque's construction. Architecturally, Jamae Mosque reflects a blend of styles typical of 1830s Singapore. While the entrance gate showcases distinct South Indian influences, the prayer halls and shrine embody a Neo-Classical style, characteristic of George Drumgoole Coleman, the first trained architect in Singapore. This eclectic architecture has made Jamae Mosque a well-photographed landmark, appearing in postcards from the 19th century to the present day."

"One of Singapore's oldest mosques, originally erected for the Chulia migrants."