Rewriting the Origins of Masjid Zahir: A Critical Historical and Architectural Reappraisal

Saaid, Ahmad Sid Hijaz Md; Hassan, Ahmad Sanusi; Arab, Yasser

:: International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies

http://TuEngr.com

ISSN 2228-9860
eISSN 1906-9642
CODEN: ITJEA8

FEATURE PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE

Vol.16(3) (2025)

Rewriting the Origins of Masjid Zahir: A Critical Historical and Architectural Reappraisal

Ahmad Sid Hijaz Md Saaid (Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (POLIMAS), Jitra, Kedah, MALAYSIA),
Ahmad Sanusi Hassan (School of Housing, Building & Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA), and
Yasser Arab (Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Dhofar University, OMAN).

Discipline: Architectural Heritage, Architectural History & Theory, Islamic Architecture, Islamic Studies.
➤ FullText

doi: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2025.17

Keywords: Architectural heritage; Historical reconstruction; Architectural reappraisal; Kedah mosque typologies; Malay royal mosque; Indo-Saracenic architecture; Kedah sultanate heritage; Historical reconstruction methods.

Abstract
This study re-examines the origins of Masjid Zahir, a monument conventionally dated to its 1912 reconstruction under British Malaya architect James Gorman. Drawing from classical Malay manuscripts, spatial analysis, archival accounts, and on-site artefact evaluation, this paper argues that such a date reflects only the latest architectural phase of a much older sacred site. Evidence shows that a previous timber mosque was present at the same site as early as 1735, which aligns with the founding of Kota Setar as the royal capital of Kedah. The finding of 18th-century ritual artifacts, the mosque's alignment with the palace complex, and similar designs in regional royal mosque styles support this new interpretation. By placing Masjid Zahir within the context of destruction, rebuilding, and architectural changes especially after the Siamese invasions (1821-1842), this paper illustrates that the mosque's heritage goes beyond its Indo-Saracenic colonial appearance. Reassessing its beginnings provides a more precise historical account, highlighting Masjid Zahir as one of the oldest mosques still in operation in Malaysia. It is also a lasting symbol of Kedah's political authority, cultural resilience, and Islamic continuity.
Paper ID: 16A3C

Cite this article:

Saaid, A.S.H.M., Hassan, A.S., & Arab, Y. (2025). Rewriting the Origins of Masjid Zahir: A Critical Historical and Architectural Reappraisal. International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies, 16(3), 16A3C, 1-7. http://doi.org/10.14456/ITJEMAST.2025.17

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