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Jakarta Post

Multicultural jewel of Penang Island

Thu, October 3, 2019   /   05:21 pm
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    Built in the 19th century, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion has been restored and converted into a museum dedicated to preserving Peranakan cultural heritage. Peranakan is a term for ethnic Chinese took up residence in Malaysia. Here, visitors can see the luxurious lifestyles of the Baba and the Nyonya in the magnificent house that adopted the local culture of Malaysia with a hint of the British colonial lifestyle. JP/Irene Barlian

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    Places of worship for Muslims, Hindus and Taoism can be found on Jl. Masjid Kapitan Keling. The area is protected by the government because of its many historic buildings. One of them is the Goddess of Mercy Temple, or Kuan Yin Teng, the oldest Chinese temple dedicated to Goddess Guan Yin. JP/Irene Barlian

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    Worshipers enter the grounds of Kapitan Keling Mosque. Built in 1801, Kapitan Keling Mosque was the first Islamic institution to be built in George Town, Penang. This Moorish and Mugal architectural style place of worship is the largest mosque in Penang. JP/Irene Barlian

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    A man sweeps the floor at Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Thai-style Buddhist temple located in the Pulau Tikus area, Penang. JP/Irene Barlian

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    A 33-meter-long reclining Buddha statue is located in the main room of Wat Chayamangkalaram. It is one of the longest reclining Buddha statues in the world. JP/Irene Barlian

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    An elderly woman sits in the Goddess of Mercy Temple. The temple is one of the most popular Chinese temples in Penang. JP/Irene Barlian

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    A row of standing Buddha statues at Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. Built in 1805, the temple was the first Burmese temple to be built in Malaysia. JP/Irene Barlian

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    Located on Queen Street, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in George Town is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. Built in 1833, the temple features sculptures of gods and goddesses over its main entrance and on its facade. JP/Irene Barlian

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    Located on Queen Street, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in George Town is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. Built in 1833, the temple features sculptures of gods and goddesses over its main entrance and on its facade. JP/Irene Barlian

Irene Barlian

There are very few places in the world where you would find places of worship of all religions besides George Town, Malaysia.

Located on the northwest eastern tip of Penang Island, George Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Cultural diversity and heritage are inseparable in George Town, the capital of Penang Island. In 1786, during British colonization, the Strait of Malacca was developed into one of the most important trading routes, connecting Africa, Europe, India and the rest of Asia.

Appointed as the capital of the Straits Settlements, the countries opened the gate to many immigrants to come and work at one of the busiest trading ports of that era. Immigrants arrived with their own culture and tradition. Different ethnic groups brought their unique customs and established a new community in the new nation they called home.

Residents of George Town live in peace and respect each other. For example, at Idul Adha (Day of Sacrifice), during which cows and goats are usually slaughtered as an Islamic ritual, only goats are sacrificed to respect Hindu residents.

George Town is a strong example for a world that from time to time is conflicted by ethnicity and religion. [kes]