Ki-WaterColor: akitektur melayu #2 (Istana Jahar, Kota Bharu)


genre: heritage
title: akitektur melayu #2 (Istana Jahar, Kota Bharu)
medium: watercolor on paper 300gsm (Saunders)
size: 23cm x 31cm
year: 2013
price: myr 400.00

Istana Jahar. It is a palace which prides of Kelantanese in the past and at the present. It still dwells in Islamic City, Kota Bharu. It is located near Istana Balai Besar. It is also among the impressive palaces which are in Kota Bharu. The palace was first built during the reign of Long Senik Mulut Merah or well known as Sultan Muhammad II (1837 - 1886), after the opening of Kota Bharu and Istana Balai Besar construction. Sultan Muhammad II built this palace was to be awarded to the grandson named  Long Kundur Bendahara. After the death of Sultan Muhammad II in 1886, Long Sulong better known as Sultan Ahmad had been completing construction of the palace. Sultan Ahmad died in 1889 and replaced by his son Long Kundur Bendahara with was called Sultan Muhammad III. His Majesty has made Istana Jahar as Balai Besar and also his habitation. Sultan Muhammad IV had ascended the throne after the sudden death of Sultan Muhammad III. He has made Istana Balai Besar as his habitation, and Istana Jahar was still used. Actually, the palace does not have a name until in 1911 on his return from his visit to Singapore.

This palace is given the name in conjunction with the name of flower tree, graced in this palace garden. Later, the palace was given to his son Tengku Ismail who is called Tengku Seri Indera Mahkota. After the death of Sultan Muhammad IV in 1920, Tengku Ismail changed his name to the title of Sultan Ismail, and resided at Istana Jahar endowed by his late father. Sultans of Kelantan which then like Sultan Ibrahim (1944-1960) and Sultan Yahya Petra (1961-1979) were no longer residing at Istana Jahar, otherwise had their own palaces.

Jahar Palace, now used as the Kelantan Royal Museum. The museum showcases the history of Kelantan sultanates, from the earliest time till the reign of Sultan in the present. Exhibit space available in the building of this museum is divided into several parts such as armaments, costumes, and other matters related to the sultanate. Although it is a museum, the original design of this building is still preserved. Its unique architecture with beautiful carvings, has increased radiant for this palace that has turned into a museum. Istana Jahar is located on the side of Istana Balai Besar in the heart of Kota Bharu. It is an example of  beautiful and interesting in Malay architectural heritage. If we have the opportunity to come here, Istana Jahar and other places in the surroundings, clearly visible among the new and modern buildings. The rapid development of the surrounding area however, did not affect the national building heritages that keep many secret histories.

This article is matched by an article in Malay language. Interpreted and translated into English as in deemed appropriate.