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Islamic Tourism
@ Halal | September-October . 2021
Mosques as National Heritage They must have historical importance and cultural associations
BY FATIHAH MANAF
ASIDE FROM being promoted as part of Islamic Tourism products , Malaysian mosques , with their distinctive architectural designs and unique history , can also be the key driver to the growth of cultural heritage tourism in the country .
A mosque that ’ s gazetted as a national heritage will likely attract more tourists , which will help the mosque with its tourism programmes .
Mohd Azmi Mohd Yusof , Director-General at the Department of National Heritage ( DNH ), shared that a total of 29 mosques were gazetted under the National Heritage Act 2005 ( Act 645 ), 11 of them categorised as National Heritage and the other 18 as Heritage . He revealed the department was also looking at 119 mosques with the same potential . “ Heritage in Malaysia is an embodiment of the history , culture and values of Malaysians . It is a source of national pride and an asset that attracts visitors and generates income ,” said Mohd Azmi .
The director-general opined that mosques , in general , had steadily attracted the attention of both Muslim and non-Muslim tourists due to their unique architectural styles and outstanding heritage values . He firmly believed mosques had the potential to become a key segment in Malaysia ’ s tourism products .
“ T h e architectural styles of the mosques in Malaysia are interestingly diverse ,” said Mohd A z m i , a d d i n g m o s q u e tourism may help clear non-Muslims ’ misconceptions about Islam and reduce Islamophobia . Mohd Azmi stated the mosque tourism segment should target both Muslims and non-Muslims around the world . He said people who had great interest and appreciation towards cultural buildings and history were more likely to participate in the programme .
Heritage in Malaysia is an embodiment of the history , culture and values of Malaysians . It is a source of national pride and an asset that attracts visitors and generates income .” — Mohd Azmi
Gazette requirements for mosques
To be gazetted as a National Heritage , Mohd Azmi said , a mosque is evaluated thoroughly to define its significance and authenticity . Alternatively , the Ministry of Tourism , Arts & Culture Malaysia ( MOTAC ) can also suggest mosques it feels have the potential to be expanded and declared as a National Heritage building .
“ A mosque has to meet at least one criterion under Section 67 ( 2 ) to be gazetted as a National Heritage ,” said Azmi .
According to the director-general , there are nine criteria under this section . They are : 1 . The historical importance , association , with or related to Malaysian history . 2 . The excellent design or aesthetic characteristics . 3 . The scientific or technical innovations or achievements . 4 . The social or cultural associations . 5 . The potential to educate , illustrate or provide further scientific investigation concerning Malaysian cultural heritage .
6 . The importance of exhibiting a richness , diversity or unusual integration of features .
7 . The rarity or uniqueness of the natural heritage , tangible or intangible cultural heritage or underwater cultural heritage .
8 . The representative nature of a site object as part of class or type of a site or object .
9 . Any other matter which is relevant to the determination of cultural heritage significance .
DNH ’ s role in the maintenance of Natural Heritage
According to Section 21 of the Act , Mohd Azmi said DNH would provide financial assistance and expert advice for the conservation , maintenance and promotion of the gazetted National Heritage .
“ Technically , DNH can supervise conservation projects and also advise on conservation works .
“ DNH also conducts activities to disseminate knowledge on preserving heritage buildings to the general public through workshops and courses . This is also part of the efforts to promote heritage buildings ,” said Mohd Azmi .
Speaking on hope and aspiration , Mohd Azmi stated DNH wished to have more mosques being gazetted as heritage sites . He further highlighted the architectural styles of local mosques reflected the diversity in the designs as some were inspired by the world ’ s magnificent mosques , traditional Malay architecture , and regional patterns and culture .
“ The department seeks further cooperation from the society , stakeholders and State authorities for this purpose ( of promoting cultural heritage tourism ). The collaboration with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) and Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) will bring a more remarkable impact .
“ DNH , JAKIM and ITC play different roles . But if we collaborate , the appreciation towards the heritage will become more valuable and memorable ,” said Mohd Azmi .
He then highlighted that aside from promoting heritage buildings as part of cultural heritage tourism , DNH ’ s ultimate objective is to protect the authenticity and integrity of the buildings .