Mosque Architectural Timeline In Malaysia: From Vernacular To Contemporary

The scenario of mosque architecture in Malaysia has gone a lot of evolution and transformation, from the
traditional era, colonial to the post-independence era. Many studies have focused on the architectural
styles, classification, and typology on mosque architecture. The main purpose of this paper is to document
an updated historical timeline and development of mosque architecture from vernacular to the
contemporary era. Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, there is a new typology that has been
introduced, as the urgency towards sustainable building. However, the present contemporary mosque was
still regarded as a continuation of previous Islamic architecture. Numerous architectural influences were
blended and became part of Malaysia’s mosque identities. To comprehend the architectural styles of
Malaysian mosque, it is important to return to time for a better understanding of the Islamic origin to the
Malay Peninsula, the chronological and influences. A chronology method is adapted from a literature
review to figure out when each stage of cultural, religion, and evolution took place. The study includes
134 iconic mosques in Malaysia that were divided into six eras which traditional, pre-colonial, colonial,
modern, post-modern and global era for over 400 years. Every era has developed its style and influences
that shape our mosque architecture identities and nomenclature. Therefore, this paper offers a clear
historical timeline and development for clear knowledge and understanding in designing contemporary
mosque to retain history and culture, religion, environment, and sustainability aspects.