Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia

Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia, George Town, after restoration (30 June 2014)


Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia, also called Al-Madrasah Al-Mahmoodiyah Al-Arabia² was once a leading Islamic religious school and boarding house for Muslim students. I had previously called it Madrasah Hamid Arabi, but was told recently¹ that that name did not exist. The name Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia is said to be based on the name of Haji Mohd Salleh al Kahiry's first child.

Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia is located along Ah Quee Street which led to a substantial Indian Muslim settlement, and within a short walk from the Kapitan Keling Mosque .

Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia, George Town, Penang (30 January 2006)


Front view of Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia, before restoration (1 September 2008)


Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia before the restoration (19 February 2005)


The madrasah was founded in 1900 by Shaikh Abdul Hamid al-Khahirah, an Indian Muslim jeweller operating from Pitt Street, 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 Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia 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.

Side view of Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia before the restoration (30 January 2006)

Getting there

From the Weld Quay Ferry & 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 Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia is located immediately after Lim Kongsi.

Another view of Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia, before restoration (1 September 2008)

What to see and do

The Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia 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 Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia 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:


Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia, after restoration work (16 December 2012)

Restoration of Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia

Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia underwent restoration in 2011-2012, resulting in it being given a new coat of paint and general repairs carried out to its wooden verandah and stairway. Although the madrasah now looks spick-and-span, the restoration work has somewhat erased the charming character of the historic building.

Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia at night, after restoration (1 July 2012)

Location of Madrasah Mahmoodahtul Al Arabia on the map

References

1. Fairouz, 15 June, 2016
2. Street of George Town, Penang, by Khoo Su Nin (1993)

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