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| The Sultan Mosque |
Arab Street & Haji Lane, in the past, was the very heart of the Muslim community in Singapore. Located close to one of the largest and oldest mosques in Singapore, the Sultan mosque, it united most part of the Malay population in a single area. In the past, this was used as both a residential and commercial area, mainly housing Arabs, Malays, Javanese and Bugis. Till today, several still live nearby, at Bussorah Street.
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| One of the only remaining residential quarters in the area |
Trading constituted a large part of day-to-day living on Arab Street. Selling textiles, spices and rattan products out of the lower level of their homes, Malays grew their trading business, and it became known as a key trading centre in Singapore, dubbed the ‘Arab Quarter’!
Haji Lane, on the other hand, was not as popular with the merchants. This was a place which served as a residential area, as well as temporary lodgings for pilgrims travelling to Mecca.
Ultimately, this area was heralded as a lively town centre, one that united the Muslim community. Over the years, this unique culture of the area has slowly dwindled, till only vestiges of past activities and lifestyles remain.
