Masjid Jamae (Chulia) · Heritage
Two centuries of faith, community and service in the heart of Singapore.
Masjid Jamae (Chulia), also known as Periya Palli (“Big Mosque”), is one of Singapore’s oldest surviving mosques. From its early beginnings in the 1820s to its continuing role today, its story is closely woven into the history of Singapore’s Tamil Muslim community and Chinatown.
An early wooden mosque was established along South Bridge Road by the Tamil Muslim Chulia merchant community. Masjid Jamae’s story begins in this formative period of Singapore’s history.
A more permanent brick-and-plaster structure was erected between 1830 and 1835. Its South Indian gateway, distinctive twin minarets and European-influenced prayer halls created the unique architectural character recognised today.
Masjid Jamae became a Waqaf mosque, placing the mosque and its purpose in trust for the Muslim community. The following year, the mosque was photographed in a record now preserved by the National Museum of Singapore.
Masjid Jamae came under the charge of MUIS, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore. The mosque continued its role as a place of worship, religious learning and service to the wider community.
On 19 November 1974, Masjid Jamae (Chulia) was gazetted as a National Monument of Singapore, recognising its exceptional architectural and historical significance.
Masjid Jamae brings together South Indian, Neoclassical and Chinese architectural influences in one remarkable landmark.
The entrance gateway is distinctly South Indian, while the prayer halls display Neoclassical characteristics associated with the architecture of George Drumgoole Coleman. Chinese influences can also be found within the building.
The gazetting of Masjid Jamae as a National Monument formally recognised a place that had already served generations of Muslims in Singapore.
Today, its heritage is not simply preserved in stone and timber. It remains alive through prayer, learning, community programmes and the people who continue to pass through its doors.
Explore the history and heritage of one of Singapore’s most distinctive places of worship.
From the early Chulia Muslim community of 19th-century Singapore to the Masjid that serves the community today, Masjid Jamae continues its journey — honouring its heritage while looking towards the future.
