Page 964 - Proceedings Collega2023

Figure 8
Panca Persada

Kelantanese Traditional Malay Architecture

Ever since the early 19th century, Kelantan’s traditional architecture used in buildings and
structures in Kota Bharu has been influenced by their previous sultans, including those from the Siamese
Kingdom and other colonial counterparts. Royal palaces and the elites were often designed and built based
on the Kelantan vernacular architecture by the local artisans and highly skilled carpenters (Figure 9).

Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11

Malay Carving European Staircase Siamese Singhora Roof

There are a few factors that might contribute to architectural changes in society because Kelantan
was under a few rulers before it merged with Malaya. Some of the factors include the Siamese Kingdom
(Figure 10), the presence of British colonisation (Figure 11), and the westernisation of the royalty of
Kelantan and Siam, such as Sultan Muhammad IV and King Rama the 5th, the former King of Siam (FAE,
2021). All the above-mentioned factors have contributed to shaping the architecture of Kelantan,
specifically in Istana Jahar. It reflects society’s way of life, their beliefs, and their philosophy, which form
important components of the uniqueness of a culture. Hence, it has always been the main source of
references in social and cultural studies in architecture.

Place Attachment

Places like Istana Jahar are composed of three extensive interrelated components that give
meaning to places: i) the physical setting ii) the individual’s internal psychological and social processes;
and iii) attributes and activities organised at the place (Shamsuddin, 2008; Canter, 1977; Relph, 1976;

International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 951 -