Kampung Hulu Mosque, Melaka

Kampung Hulu Mosque, located in Kampong Hulu Village, Malacca City, holds the distinction of being the oldest mosque in Malacca and one of the oldest in the country. Constructed between 1720 and 1728, it underwent significant renovation in 1892. The mosque's architectural design is a blend of Javanese, Malay, Sumateran, and Chinese influences.

The architectural style of Masjid Kampung Hulu reflects its Javanese influences, particularly in its multi-tiered roof, which consists of three flared pyramidal layers designed to allow light and air into the building. These tiers are supported by a central framework of four main columns extending to outer columns. Unlike traditional Javanese mosques that use timber for walls, Masjid Kampung Hulu utilizes stone and brick, with the entire structure elevated on a low stone perimeter wall.

The mosque's most notable feature is its minaret, which resembles a pagoda and is styled after the "Balai Nobat Melayu." Alongside the minaret, the ablution pool and entrance arch were built concurrently with the main structure. An ancient cemetery adjacent to the mosque serves as the final resting place for several notable preachers and missionaries.

Chinese ornamentation is evident throughout the mosque, including the crown-like pinnacle atop the roofs and the curved eaves. Materials imported from the Chinese Qing Empire, such as ceramic roofs and floor tiles, are incorporated into the design, and carved sea stones line the interior dome.

Masjid Kampung Hulu stands as a testament to the cultural and architectural synthesis, showcasing a blend of regional styles and materials. This historical icon remains a notable site for its historical and architectural significance.