Penang Jawi Peranakan Heritage Society

26/05/2026

JAWI society’s efforts in preserving the ASHURKHANA site continues with encouraging development today.

5.30pm Thursday, 21 May 2026

Soon after JAWI highlighted the significance of this historical site to the Penang City Council (MBPP), a site visit was arranged, led by our Mayor, YBhg Dato’ Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony. He arrived with a significant MBPP team of representatives from key departments of Building Control, Engineering, Development Planning and the Heritage Conservation. Representatives from the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) were also present.

JAWI Chairman, Prof Emerita Dato’ Seri Dr Wazir Jahan Karim, gave a local history briefing about this enclave. In the 1820s, it was the homestead of Shaik Natterji Sahib, a merchant and philanthropist; and it was his grandson Shaik Eusoff Shaik Latiff who built the Anglo-Indian bungalow on Chulia Street (where Yeng Keng Hotel stands today).

Ashurkhana (LOT 664 and 665) was a spiritual site for early 19th century Muslim travellers. It was also known as Masjid Ali Arshahan with an attached cemetery ground (LOT 663). Since Shaik Natterji Sahib was the first patron of Boria, the site also has a cultural significance as the birthplace of the Boria.

This site together with the exit lane along the cemetery, was the original ground for prayers and commemoration of Awal Muharram (the Muslim New Year), the Asyura (the 10th day of Muharram) and Boria processions.

JAWI society is seeking for an installation of signages on the site itself to impart these historical origins to tourists and general public. This is a major initiative step towards reviving the birthplace of the Boria and to conserve an old Muslim enclave so that current and future generations can understand the Muslim roots of Jalan Masjid and Chulia Street and how that has contributed to the heritage of George Town.

26/05/2026

12/04/2026

THE HISTORICAL SITE OF THE BORIA AT THE ASHURKHANA, JALAN MASJID, 1820’s.

The BORIA was first performed by the Jawi Peranakan, Malays and Indian Muslims at Jalan Masjid, within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the former enclave of the ASHURKHANA (LOT 664 and 665) adjoining the Muslim cemetery (Lot 663) built in the 1820’s.

The first patron of the BORIA was Shaik Natter (Natterji) Sahib, a merchant, land agent and philanthropist. He was a Jemadar, a title equivalent to an overseer of Sepoys soldiers and this explains the early role of the Sepoys in the street processions of the BORIA.

Shaik Eusoffe Shaik Latiff, the grandson of Shaik Natter Sahib inherited his grand-father’s Anglo-Indian mansion, now the Yeng Keng Hotel, at Lebuh Chulia, restored in March 2009. Shaik Eusoffe’s will, dated 1890, reaffirms his grand-father’s earlier will, that the land parcel, behind his bungalow, will be endowed (wakaf; waqf) to the Penang Muslim community.

The bungalow was sold to the trustees of the Yin Han Pit Shu, a Cantonese district Association in 1897. It was transferred to the trustees of the Straits Chinese British Association in 1939.

The BORIA is of cultural significance in Penang since it is originally derived from the Persian Ta’ziyeh, an ancient theatre, evoking the 1680 AD, tragedy of the Karbala, a historical city, now located in modern-day Iraq. It was usually performed during Asyurah, on the tenth day of Muharram.

During the colonial era in Malaya, it functioned as parody or vaudeville theatre, with themes of mockery of British rule and currently, as a stage performance, with themes of morality, unity and multiculturalism.

The lane along the cemetery adjoining the ASHURKHANA, was referred to as ‘Back Lane- Ancient History’ in its title deed, dated 1822. The lane was used for prayer recitations (Yasin and Tahlil) and was the exit lane for BORIA and Muharram processions.

Prepared by The Penang Jawi Peranakan Heritage Society (PJPH) 2026.

19/03/2026

Wishing all a blessed, joyous, safe, happy and fun Hari Rays Aidilfitri, maaf zahir batin 🕌

May your travels back to your hometowns also be safe and easy 🤲🏾

14/02/2026

Jawi House received its regular group of visitors from the Duchess Travel Wing of the Duchess Club , an - all woman club, under the stewardship of Rathi Nilakantan, a co-founder of the travel wing of thel club.

The 20 member group, on a cultural and culinary tour travel of Penang and Southeast Asia enjoyed the menu, curated by Chef Nuril, for both vegans and non-vegans .

Some of the dishes included skewed mushrooms and chicken on a coconut percik sauce ; Malay gulai of prawns, pineapple and pumpkin; Assam pedas squid; blue lemuni rice and fragrant white rice and honeycomb pudding with butterscotch sauce .

Prof Emerita Dato’ Seri Dr Wazir Jahan gave a talk on the history and culture of the Jawi Peranakans, while Chef Nuril explained the culinary history and selection of dishes for the food tour.

Rathi said it was a perfect combination and looked forward to the next visit .

The group was on its 100th tour and Jawi House was honoured to meet up with them once again .
Rathi Nilakantan, a passionate traveller, believes in empowering women , to explore the world, connect with like minded people and have epic experiences.

“Exploring the world together, works as the education to broaden the horizon and is the catalyst for growth” said Rathi.

01/01/2026

Wishing all our members, friends, and the people of Penang a brilliant New Year! May we continue to celebrate the unique Jawi Peranakan blend of culture that makes our island home so special.
​Here’s to a year of growth, style, and staying loud about who we are.

_____

Mengucapkan selamat menyambut tahun baru yang gemilang buat semua ahli, rakan-rakan, dan seluruh warga Pulau Pinang! Marilah kita terus meraikan keunikan budaya Jawi Peranakan yang telah sekian lama mewarnai dan mengistimewakan tanah air pulau kita ini.
​Semoga tahun ini membawa kemajuan, gaya, dan semangat untuk terus gah menyuarakan identiti kita yang sebenar.

31/12/2025

Wishing you a new year full of possibilities, opportunities, the means to pursue them and that your dreams come true ♥️

03/12/2025

Meorry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! 😸

From PJPHS