Sandakan's Masjid Jamek - Hidden Heritage Under Threat
Discover a Historical Mosque in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
Sandakan Heritage Trail (2020)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
What is its Historical Significance?
In existence since 1887, the timber structure is considered the oldest mosque in Sandakan, built during the town’s formative years.
Continuing Traditions Since the 1880s
The mosque is still in active use, continuing religious activities and traditions as it always has since the 1880s.
Sandakan Google Earth with marker (2020)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Where is it Located?
Situated on the hill side of the town, its location used to be just above the sea front before land reclamation pushed the town’s edge 350 m further away.
Sandakan Masjid Jamek mosque within the hill (2016)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Humble Beginnings
The mosque is believed to have been founded by a Muslim cloth merchant, 'Damsah', from British Raj India. The interior of the mosque was influenced by the locals and those from Brunei, Philippines, and Indonesia.
Japanese and British soldiers inside the mosque battling (1900)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Mysteriously Protected
Today you can see bullet hole markings on its pillars as proof of the battle between Japanese and British Soldiers! Bombs were dropped near the mosque but none of them exploded. Even so, at the end of the war Sandakan Town was totally destroyed and burned down to the ground.
Masjid Jamik As Sheik Hasabollah At-Tohiri (2016)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Renamed in Commemoration Of...
In 1991 the mosque was given its current official name, Masjid Jamek As Sheik Hasabollah At-Tohiri, in commemoration of a prominent local Muslim preacher.
Uncomplimentary additions to the Mosque (2016)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
What is Threatening the Authenticity of this Place?
Today the historical and architectural significance are hidden beneath layers of extensions and uncomplimentary additions carried out over the years. At first glance, the mosque’s original form is not noticeable.
Sandakan Masjid Jamek mosque within the hill (2016)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
What Threatens its Safety?
Located on a hill side, the space around the building is limited and is prone to landslides – dangerous for both the building and mosque congregation. The overall conservation of the building needs to be considered together with safety measures.
JeJak Warisan Sandakan modern mosque map (2020)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Who Supports Protecting the History of the Masjid Jamek?
Today Sandakan has a bigger modern mosque by the sea but the Sandakan Masjid Jamek is still favoured by the older generation. This mosque is an important part of Sandakan history and should be recorded and displayed for our future generation.
What More Can Be Done to Protect its History?
A local heritage group, Sandakan Heritage Trail, starts their heritage walks at the Masjid Jamek. It would be fantastic if an information board of the mosque’s history can be created and placed at the entrance of the stairs going up to the mosque for all visitors to view.
ICOMOS Malaysia and Sandakan Heritage Trail
ICOMOS Canada and Carleton
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