As Arab traders traversed the coastline of the Malaysia Peninsula and Indonesia, they brought with them the teachings of Islam. As Malaysians migrated to Singapore they brought with them their religion and their culture. To be a Malay in Singapore was to be a Muslim. Malays lives have traditionally centered on their religion and their villages, known as kampongs. The wooden houses built on stilts would be located around a communal center where children played and small gardens were tended. Because of urban renewal in Singapore, all Kampongs have been bulldozed. Many of the Malays and other Muslims settled in the Arab district in the mid 19th century. Nowadays, the mosques, in this case, the Sultan Mosque with its’ golden domes, is the communal center of the village. It attracts thousands of the faithful every Friday and stands as an imposing force in the lives of Muslims.
Far from some of the top Singapore hotels, is the smallest of Singapore’s ethnic quarters. Arab Street is a touristy market area with shops selling all types of Middle Eastern and Islamic products. It’s a place to meander or to browse through the shops or to enjoy Muslim food at a café. In the maze of side streets around the Sultan Mosque, there’s a collection of Malay, Indonesian and Middle Eastern merchandise vendors. Excellent selections of batik, rival for space with other fabrics like silk and Indian textiles. All kinds of other products are sold, things like wicker ware, jewelry, fragrances, and religious articles. In the weeks before Hari Raya Puasa, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, The area is lined with stalls selling traditional Malay and Muslim food. After dark the area is a favorite destination for those who have fasted all day. As part of the redevelopment efforts much of the area has been closed to vehicular traffic and allows only pedestrians. Be sure to honor the Muslim tradition of modesty and dress appropriately.
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