Page 962 - Proceedings Collega2023

of place attachment to the visible conditions of the architecture. However, the historical background of
the palace was seriously considered since the architectural change highlighted the characteristics that are
demonstrable. These attributes are both tangible and intangible, and the focus is on the culture, mainly
the customs, traditions, and rituals that have an impact on the architecture and the changes that took
place in the palace.
Historical Background

Figure 2 Figure 3
Map of Kelantan Istana Jahar/Muzium Adat Istiadat Raja Kelantan

Historical Background
Formerly known as Istana Raja Bendahara, Istana Jahar (Figure 3) was built as a complete wooden
structure in 1887 by Sultan Ahmad (Long Sulong) (r. 1886–1889) for his son and heir-apparent, Sultan
Muhammad III (Long Kundor) (r. 1890–1891) as a royal residence. The name Jahar/Johar was taken from
the tree that stands at the entrance, known as the cassia tree or Bombay blackwood, an evergreen shade
tree that was growing in the grounds at the time. Sultan Muhammad IV also ordered the jahar tree to be
planted in the courtyard of Istana Raja Bendahara (Palace of Raja Bendahara). The tree blooms as big as
melur (jasmine) flowers and has a deep yellow colour (Figure 4). The leaves are thumb-sized and shaped
as if they were rectangular and are always used by Indians for curry dishes, while the Malays use the
flowers to make kerabu. The Siamese call this tree kelek, and they highly revere this tree. This plant has
medicinal value, and it contains a compound named barakol that works as a sedative and has anxiolytic
effects. The leaves, tender pods, and seeds are edible, but they must be previously boiled, and the water
discarded. They are used in Burmese and in Thai cuisine, where one of the most well-known preparations
is kaeng khilek (PMNK, 2006). Istana Jahar has been used as a residence by Long Senik. It was the running
custom since the reign of Long Sulong that the reigning monarch would reside in the Balai Besar Palace
while the Sultan's successor would also reside in Istana Jahar. In 1899, Long Mansur (Long Kundor’s
younger brother) died, and he was succeeded by Long Senik as Sultan of Kelantan. In 1911, Long Senik was
titled Sultan Muhammad IV. His Majesty Sultan Muhammad IV later moved to the Balai Besar Palace and
resided there. Istana Jahar was left empty to allow for repairs and renovations. Hence, this led to a change
in the architectural function.
The history of the development of architecture reflects the civilization, culture, emotions, and

philosophy of a nation. The history of architecture can also be a tangible proof of the skills and progress

International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 949 -