Kedah Sightseeing | Bangunan Jam Besar (The Big Clock Tower) | Alor Setar

Bangunan Jam Besar ( The Big Clock Tower )

The Big Clock Tower (Bangunan Jam Besar) of Alor Setar in Kedah, is located along Jalan Pekan Melayu and across the road is Balai Nobat.

The historic clock tower was built in 1912 with an architectural design of two elements that portrayed both Islamic and Hindu aspects. It is a blend influence of the Islam religion and past Hinduism.

Bagunan Jam Besar Alor Setar

It is topped by a dome section with cresent at the tip and its surrounding carvings signifies the design of Islamic patterns, while on the lower section especially at its entrance features Hindu carvings.

Its role and function of its chime has connection with the nearby, Zahir State Mosque, indicating the prayer times before the Azan (the call to prayer) is made, making it convenience to the public and especially to the muezzin who works in the mosque.

In the past, this clock will chime on prayer time, followed by the beating of gongs at the Balai Nobat across the road, summoning Muslims for prayer in Zahir State Mosque.

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