Al-Madrasah Al-Mahmoodiyah Al-Arabia
Madrasah Hamid Arabi, or by its full name Al-Madrasah Al-Mahmoodiyah Al-Arabia, now in a dilapidated state, was once an Islamic religious school and boarding house for Muslim students. It is located along Lebuh Ah Quee (Ah Quee Street) which is at the back of a substantial Indian Muslim settlement, and within a short walk from the Kapitan Keling Mosque.
The madrasah was founded in 1900 by Shaikh Abdul Hamid al-Khahirah, an Indian Muslim jeweller operating from Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, with funds collected from fellow Muslim merchants in the vicinity. The madrasah offered classes in the Arabic language as well as the Quran and Syariah law. At the height of its popularity, in the 1920's, Madrasah Hamid Arabi had an enrolment of about 200 students.
Today the madrasah is in a dilapidated state housing numerous tenants. So far there is no news of restoring it.
Getting there
From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian bridge. Turn left and walk along Pengkalan Weld until you reach the junction of Gat Lebuh Chulia. Turn right into Gat Lebuh Chulia and walk until the junction of Lebuh Pantai. Turn left and walk along Beach Street until the junction of Lebuh Ah Quee. Turn right into Lebuh Ah Quee. On your left at Lebuh Ah Quee is the longest shophouse in George Town. Following that, you pass the Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi. Madrasah Hamid Arabi is located immediately after Lim Kongsi.
What to see and do
The Madrasah Hamid Arabi has beautiful stucco ornamentation all over its facade. The floral decoration is reminiscent of South Indian Muslim style. As it is not in a restored state, the madrasah is not geared for tourists. However, one can still visit it, just to admire it from outside.
Nearby Sights
Madrasah Hamid Arabi is located within the core zone of the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site. There are numerous sights around it that you can also visit. Their location is reference to the madrasah. Among them:
Lim Kongsi: Immediately to the right of the madrasah. Take note that it is locked most of the time.
Nagore Shrine: From Madrasah Hamid Arabi, head down Lorong Pitt. The Nagore Shrine is right up ahead, on the right side of Lebuh King.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple: From Madrasah Hamid Arabi, head down Lorong Pitt. At the junction of Lebuh Chulia, turn left. A short distance down is the junction of Lebuh Queen to the right. Turn right into it. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is on the left side of Lebuh Queen.
Teochew Ancestral Temple: From Madrasah Hamid Arabi, head down Lorong Pitt. At the junction of Lebuh Chulia, turn left. The Teochew Ancestral Temple is on the left side of Lebuh Chulia, in front of the junction with Lebuh Queen.
Masjid Kapitan Keling: From Madrasah Hamid Arabi, turn left and walk along Lebuh Ah Quee until you reach the junction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Cross the road and Masjid Kapitan Keling is on the opposite side of the road.
Visiting Penang
If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!
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Madrasah Hamid Arabi (30 January 2006)
Madrasah Hamid Arabi Location Map
Front view of Madrasah Hamid Arabi (1 September 2008)
Madrasah Hamid Arabi (30 January 2006)
Side view of Madrasah Hamid Arabi (1 September 2008)
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