by Julie-Ann Sherlock

As one of Southeast Asia’s most modern, vibrant cities, Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur offers stunningly designed skyscrapers and some of the loftiest buildings in the world. From the instantly recognisable 88-storey Petronas Towers (tallest twin towers in the world) to the still under-construction Merdeka 118 building, the city’s skyline is dotted with glistening glass and metal structures that create an almost futuristic vibe.

Other architectural gems nestle amongst these engineering masterpieces, with many reflecting the varied culture and history of Malaysia and its people. The population of this Southeast Asian melting pot country primarily consists of three ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese and Indian.

Once a British territory, the city centre is home to the mock-Tudor style of the Royal Selangor Club, which played host to cricket matches and other sporting events on the vast lawn to the front of the building, now called Dataran Merdeka (Malay for Independence Square). Across the road, the Sultan Abdul Samad building, with its Moorish styles and neo-Mughal influences, is another former jewel in the colonial crown. Once the British Colonial Administration Offices, it is now home to the Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Multimedia and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia. 

In Chinatown, old shophouse buildings tell stories of this community, complete with 5-foot covered walkways to protect from the sun’s heat. However, the area is not just echoing the Chinese community in its walls as the city’s oldest Hindu Temple, the Sri Maha Mariamman, is smack bang in the middle of this part of the city. In the Brickfields area, also known as Little India, colourful arches decorate the streets, an elephant-themed fountain marks a road junction, and a “Torana Gate”, gifted to Kuala Lumpur by India, commemorates the connections between the two countries. 

But it is perhaps the Islamic influences that truly set the city apart. The geometric shapes, the domes and the minarets are ubiquitous throughout many of the city’s finest structures. Even the Petronas Towers are designed to honour the country’s predominant religion. Its star-shaped Rub-el-Hizb motif layout represents Islam’s unity, harmony, stability and rationality principles. 

With many stunning examples of Islamic architecture to be found all over the city in historic buildings such as the old KTM train station and the beautiful Masjid Jamek, and newer constructions such as the Dayabumi Complex and Masjid Wilayah, Kuala Lumpur is very much a city that wears its culture on its buildings. 

But, for me, the most interesting Islamic construction in the capital can be found in the National Mosque or Majid Negara. Upon gaining independence in 1963, building work began on the National Mosque with a theme of unity and protection at the heart of its design. The roof was constructed to resemble an open umbrella to protect anyone seeking solace. Consisting of 18 points, the prongs of the umbrella represent the 13 states of the newly amalgamated country and the five pillars of Islam. The green and blue roof tiles make it even more breathtaking to behold from any of the many nearby taller buildings. 

The 73-metre high minaret (designed to call worshippers to prayer) continues the umbrella theme, resembling one that has been folded up. Embracing influences from various Islamic buildings from around the globe, the Masjid Negara is a homage to the most beautiful aspects of Muslim culture and design.

If you visit this cosmopolitan city of complexities, check out the sparkly skyline, but don’t miss the equally impressive cultural architecture that tells the story of this fascinating country.