A Preliminary Study of the Local Community’s Concerns the State of Pahang Old Mosques

Abstract

The mosque serves as a place of prayer for the Muslim population, and thus its construction one of the indications of the expanding power of Islam in the state of Pahang. The problem identified in this study is the dearth of knowledge or data regarding historical mosques in the state of Pahang. Additionally, there is less effort being made to recognise the old mosque as a valuable cultural resource that has to be preserved, and the community is less interested with its conservation efforts. As a result, this study has three goals in order to address the problem, starting with (1) compiling a list of all the old mosques in Pahang. Secondly is (2) To understand the impact of the typological design of the old mosques found in the state of Pahang; and (3) To understand the level of local concern for the preservation of the old mosques in the state of Pahang. Observation, interview, and document analysis were used in this qualitative study. According to the study's findings, four mosques have been located: the Kuala Lipis Old State Mosque, the Pulau Tawar Old Mosque, the Kampung Pantai Mosque, and the Kampung Bolok Hilir Old Mosque. In the other hand, with the architectural influence of two or three levels of meru roofs, the facade typology of old mosques exhibits the features of local woodwork. This mosque's plans are straightforward, square or rectangular, and the internal organisation is plain. Furthermore, the community around this mosque is aware of the necessity of conservation efforts for historic mosques, but they are unsure of the specific conservation measures that should be implemented. There are several things that should be done, like properly documenting the old mosques in the state of Pahang and presenting them as Pahang heritage mosques. In conclusion, it is important to protect and preserve this historic mosque as a valuable asset of national heritage.