Balai Besar Pavilion description and photos - Malaysia: Alor Setar (Topic)

Balai Besar Pavilion description and photos - Malaysia: Alor Setar. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Balai Besar.

Photo and description

The Balay Besar Pavilion was built in 1735 and is considered one of the most unusual sights of Alor Setar. The pavilion is not open to general visitors, but is used for royal and state ceremonies. Balay Besar is very easy to find, it stands next to the central square of Alor Setar.

The Balay Besar Pavilion is very large, the structure is supported by tall columns, the top of which is decorated with carvings in Victorian style. The influence of Thai culture is also noticeable in the decoration of the pavilion (wood carving).

Balay Besar, or as it is also called - the Hall for receptions, was built by the founder of Alor Setar, Sultan Mohammed Jiva Zaynal Abidin, 19th Sultan of the Kedah Sultanate. The pavilion was originally made of wood, was located in the palace complex - Kota Setar and was called Balai Rong Seri (audience hall).

Unfortunately, the building was destroyed due to military attacks in 1770 and 1821. In 1896, during the reign of the 26th Sultan of Kedah Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the building was restored.

The roof of the pavilion was built in the style characteristic of Malay architecture - it is elongated, as it were, reminiscent of a mountain peak. It is worth noting that most Malay houses have such roofs. There are verandas on the left and right sides. The pavilion's pillars and crossbeams were made of sandalwood from the state of Kedah, and the roof was made from palm trees.

In the pavilion in 1904, magnificent wedding ceremonies were held for the daughters and sons of the 26th Sultan of Kedakh. The extravagant celebration lasted three months.

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Topic: Balai Besar Pavilion description and photos - Malaysia: Alor Setar.