Armenian Street, George Town

Lebuh Armenian

Armenian Street is a street in the inner city of George Town and within the core zone of the Unesco World Heritage Site. It derives its name from a Armenian family that had its home at the junction of the now Armenian Street and Beach Street in the early part of the 19th century. The Armenians had arrived in Penang by way of India. By 1822, they had established their church, the Armenian Church of St Gregory, which was located when Bangunan Mayban Trust standing today. It was some eleven years older than the Armenian Church of St Gregory in Singapore. It was demolished around 1937, by which time most of the Armenians had packed up and left Penang.

In the earlier days, Armenian Street was known as Malay Lane. This is due to the presence of a Malay settlement, which can still be seen today with such monuments as the Acheen Street Mosque and Penang Islamic Museum in that vicinity.

Armenian Street developed more and more a Chinese appearance as Chinese traders moved into the area from the turn of the 20th century. Clan temples such as Cheah Kongsi, Yap Kongsi and Khoo Kongsi were established either on or within a stone's throw of Armenian Street. Traders and merchants of these clans helped to finance the mining of tin in the Larut district of Perak, which resulted in much prosperity flowing into the Armenian Street area from the 1860s right through to the early 20th century.

Getting there

From Weld Quay Bus Terminal, turn left and walk along Pengkalan Weld until you reach the junction of Gat Lebuh Armenian (Armenian Street Ghaut) to your right. Enter Gat Lebuh Armenian and follow it all the way until the junction of Lebuh Pantai. Armenian Street (Lebuh Armenian) is located across Lebuh Pantai.

Sights along Armenian Street

Penang Islamic Museum

Sun Yat Sen Penang Base (120 Armenian Street)

Yap Kongsi

Choo Chay Keong Temple

Cheah Kongsi

Nearby Sights

Khoo Kongsi

Acheen Street Mosque

Penang Tourism Information Centre

Click for list of Streets of George Town

In Other Words ...

In Hokkien: Pak Thang'a Kay (Coppersmith Street), between the junction of Lebuh Acheh to the junction of Lebuh Cannon;
Pun Thau Kong Hang (Tua Pek Kong's Alley), between the junction of Lebuh Cannon and Lebuh Pantai