Masjid Jamae

As early as 1826, Jamae Mosque has already existed, a testimony to the large number of Tamil Muslims in Chinatown. The present brick and plaster building was completed between 1830 and 1835. It is not a coincidence that the street on which it is located is named ‘Mosque Street’ and this mosque is always referred to as ‘Periya Palli’, which means ‘Big Mosque’ in Tamil. This mosque is also known as the Indian Mosque as the layout is a eclectic mix of chinese, Anglo Indian and Malay architecture.

While the entrance gate is distinctively South Indian, the two prayer halls are Neo-Classical style, typical of George Drumgoole Coleman. This unique appearance has made the mosque a well photographed landmark, seen in postcards from the 19th century to the present day.

It was built by the Muslim Merchants from India that were largely living around Chinatown.