I got a strong flavour of Turkey during my visit to Kampong Glam probably because, having lived in Turkey, I am very familiar with Turkish products and ways, so I spotted Turkish elements quickly. However, there are many other flavours of the Middle East in the area too and if you are more familiar with another country, it might strike you more strongly than the ‘Turkishness’.
Arab Street
Haji Lane and
Arab Street are two long, narrow and really characterful streets lined with
shops and cafes. The shops range from large outfits selling carpets and tailors
selling silk, organza and other fabrics as well as tailoring services, to
smaller boutique stores selling fashions, homeware, jewellery, precious and
semi-precious gemstones, leatherware, brass, perfumes, cane and rattan goods
and glass lanterns. The shops offer unique finds and are a great playground for
shoppers!
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| Shops on Haji Lane, Kampong Glam, Singapore |
Busorah Mall
Probably the area
that really felt like the backstreets of Taksim (an area in Istanbul) to me was
Busorah Mall. The pedestrian street leads from a junction of smaller roads
towards the Sultan Mosque.
Delicious smells of fresh meat cooking combined with
the heady scent of herbs and spices and a feint whiff of cigarettes, as café
customers spilled onto the street laughing and eating. The outdoor café culture
made the area feel very lively and vibrant. Shops sell traditional artefacts
and Muslim influence strengthens the nearer you get to Sultan Mosque, with many
shops selling religious artifacts including prayer mats, holy beads, Korans and
skull caps.
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| Busorah Mall, Kampong Glam, Singapore |
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| Headscarf fashions on Busorah Mall, Kampong Glam, Singapore |
Sultan Mosque
Striking Sultan
Mosque is the largest in Singapore, accommodating 5000 worshippers, and is the
main Islamic place of worship for Singapore’s Muslim community. It has four
minaret towers and a huge central golden domed roof. The building combines
arabesque styling with traditional Moorish architecture. Visitors are welcome,
except on Fridays. Arms and legs should be covered and women should also cover
their hair.
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| Sultan Mosque, Kampong Glam, Singapore |
Royal Palace
Built in 1840, Istana
Kampong Glam was formerly the royal residence. The palace grounds included the
palace, small Malay village houses for the Sultan’s entourage and a sports
club.
Bendahara House
The treasurer’s
house, Bendahara House, was the yellow building next door to the palace. It was
built in the 1920s and, along with the palace, has been redeveloped and is
today the Malay Heritage Centre.
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| Perfume bottles for sale on Busorah Mall, Kampong Glam, Singapore |
Malay Heritage Centre
Kampong Glam
Palace and the treasurer’s house have been beautifully developed into the Malay
Heritage Centre, which is a very peaceful and informative centre showcasing the
culture of Singaporeans of Malay descent through exhibitions, programs and
activities. Exhibitions tell the history of Malay people in the region, their
traditional medicines and explain travelling for pilgrimage. The
well-maintained gardens provide a pretty and tranquil spot to enjoy a moment
off your feet too!
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| Turkish 'evil eyes' outside a carpet shop on Arab Street, Kampong Glam, Singapore |
I really enjoyed wandering around Kampong Glam. The streets felt calm and open in comparison to Chinatown which I also loved but which is very compact and crowded. Personally, I enjoyed the many hints of Turkey, which for me is a home away from home.
Have you ever
been somewhere that reminded you of somewhere else? How did you feel about
that? Please share your experiences in the comments.
