Tag: acheen street mosque

Penang Street Art (Kapal Haji @ Acheen Street Mosque)

Acheen Street Mosque (Masjid Melayu (Jamek) Lebuh Acheh) in Penang was founded in 1808 by Tengku Syed Hussain Al-Aidid, an Arab trader from Aceh, Sumatra. What makes it unique is that the mosque not only served as a place of worship but also as a center for trade and diplomacy among the Arab, Indian, and Malay Muslim communities in early Penang. The surrounding area, known as “Malay Town”, became a vibrant hub for merchants and pilgrims heading to Mecca.

An interesting connection between Acheen Street Mosque’s minaret and a lighthouse is that some believe the octagonal minaret was designed to resemble a beacon for travelers—just like a lighthouse guiding ships. Since the mosque was historically linked to Hajj pilgrims and traders, its tower-like minaret might have symbolized guidance and direction, much like how a lighthouse helps sailors navigate.

Cannon Street View: Acheen Street Mosque Tower

The tower of Acheen Street Mosque comes into view as one walks along Cannon Street. The popular ‘A Boy Reaching Up’ mural of Ernest Zacharevic can also be spotted at the wall of the house on the right of the street.

George Town Street View: Acheen Mosque Minaret during CNY

A view of Cannon Street decorated with red lanterns during Chinese New Year, with the minaret of Acheen Street Mosque standing at the background in George Town.

George Town Street View: ACHEEN STREET (Lebuh Acheh)

The Acheen Street or Acheh Street (Lebuh Acheh), is a street in George Town within the heritage zone itself. The street was named in recognition of the old Acehnese community who used to live there.

The street is also home to the famous Acheen Street Mosque, an unique and historical mosque. The mosque with its recognizable minaret is located right at the junction formed by Acheen Street and Cannon Street.

Penang Isle: Acheen Street Mosque (Masjid Jamek Lebuh Acheh)

The Acheen Street Mosque located in Acheen Street, George Town (Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh / Masjid Jamek Lebuh Acheh) was founded by Tengku Syed Hussain Al-Aidid in 1808. The mosque is surrounded by rows of heritage shophouses, as well as a a cemetery including the mausoleum of Syed Hussain and his family, mid-19th Century town houses and an octagonal minaret. Being one of the oldest in Penang, the mosque complex depicts an early Muslim urban community in Penang comprising of the Malays, Indian Muslims, Arabs and the Achehnese.