Masjid Jamae (Chulia) · Heritage

A Living History
Since 1826

Two centuries of faith, community and service in the heart of Singapore.

Two Centuries of Faith & Community

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.

1846 watercolour depicting Masjid Jamae and Sri Mariamman Temple
1846 — “Hindoo Pagoda and (Chulia) Mosque, Singapore”, John Turnbull Thomson.
1826

The Beginning

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.

1860 engraving of Masjid Jamae Chulia and Sri Mariamman Temple
1860 — Hand-coloured wood engraving by Peter Bernhard Wilhelm Heine.
1830–1835

The Present Structure Emerges

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 photographed in 1918
1918 — Photograph of Jamae Mosque, National Museum of Singapore, Accession No. 2007-00703.
1917

A Waqaf for the Community

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 on South Bridge Road in 1960
1960 — Peter Forster. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.
1968

Under MUIS

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.

Architectural detail of Masjid Jamae
Contemporary architectural photograph illustrating the National Monument milestone.
1974

A National Monument

On 19 November 1974, Masjid Jamae (Chulia) was gazetted as a National Monument of Singapore, recognising its exceptional architectural and historical significance.

An Architecture Unlike Any Other

Masjid Jamae brings together South Indian, Neoclassical and Chinese architectural influences in one remarkable landmark.

Architectural detail of Masjid Jamae (Chulia)

A Meeting of Traditions

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.

South Indian gateway — the mosque’s distinctive entrance and twin minarets.
Neoclassical prayer halls — an unusual architectural contrast within the same complex.
Chinatown landmark — part of a remarkable cluster of historic places of worship along South Bridge Road.
Masjid Jamae National Monument architectural detail
19 November 1974

Preserved for Future Generations

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.

National Monument of Singapore

Discover the Heritage of Masjid Jamae

Explore the history and heritage of one of Singapore’s most distinctive places of worship.

2026 · Bicentennial

Two Hundred Years of Faith & Service

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.

Historical references include the National Library Board’s On Paper: Singapore Before 1867, National Heritage Board / Roots collections, National Museum of Singapore records, and Wikimedia Commons. Historical images must be used according to the rights and attribution requirements of their respective collections.