MASJID ZAHIR , ALOR SETAR, KEDAH.

MASJID NEGERI OR STATE MOSQUE OF ALOR SETAR.

Also known as Masjid Zahir, this mosque is another significant landmark in Alor Setar and one of the most charming mosques in Malaysia. Built using unique Moorish architecture, the five domes depicts the five pillars of Islam. Officially opened in 1912, this state Mosque is an architectural landmark as it is one of the largest and grandest mosques in Malaysia.

Built in the tradition of the Moorish architecture, it has numerous arches and columns that are an epitome of grandeur. The state of Kedah's reading competition is held in the premises of the Mosque. The Zahir Mosque is Kedah's state mosque. It is located in the heart of Alor Setar, the state capital of  Kedah, Malaysia.

The mosque was built in 1912, a contributory effort of YTM Tunku Mahmud Ibni Almarhum Sultan Tajuddin Mukarram Shah. The site of this mosque was the cemetery of Kedah warriors who had died while defending Kedah from the Siamese in 1821. The architecture of the mosque was inspired by the AZIZI Mosque in Langkat town in north Sumatra. This mosque is enhanced with five prime large domes symbolizing the five Islamic principles.

Its official opening ceremony was held on Friday, 15 October 1915 by the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah. Tunku Mahmud read the Friday sermon while HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah led the Friday prayer. Behind Zahir Mosque is the Syariah Court building complex and Pre-School for Children aged below 6 years old.

The Zahir Mosque occupies a site of approximately 124,412 square feet (11,558.3 m2). Its center hall (Prayer Hall) measures 62 x 62 square feet (5.8 m2) and is surrounded by verandahs of 8 feet (2.4 m) wide with 4 mezzanine areas. Each mezzanine area is roofed by a dome. The main dome is located at the north-eastern part of the mosque building.

It is one of the grandest and oldest mosques in Malaysia. The state's Quran reading competition is held annually within the premises of the mosque. This mosque has been voted the top 10 most beautiful mosques in the world.

                                                    SIDE VIEW  

 

                                                    NIGHT VIEW

                                                    INSIDE VIEW