Feature Article Write-Up Sample

Religious buildings can be more than just places of worship

Singapores multi-culturalism has led to the bloom of many national monuments of
religious importance. Beyond their roles as places of worships, these religious
buildings also serve as living museums filled with intriguing stories from the past.
During special occasions, these places would be opened for public viewing and
visitors can explore the sites on their own or join tours in several places. Here are
some of the highlights of these national monuments you can visit.
The House of Tan Yeok Nee was built in 1882 and it is located along Clemenceau
Avenue. Formerly the home of a wealthy Teochew businessman, Tan Yeok Nee, this
monument is the only surviving mansion of Singapores famous Four Mansions. In
the late 19th century, the Four Mansions were owned by tycoons who lived in that
era. The buildings were done in an elaborate Chinese style with fluted roofs and
large, sturdy wooden doors, resembling the homes of the rich in old China. Rarely
open for public viewing, the building is now owned by the University of Chicago
Booth School of Business.
Janice Tan, 25, a graduate student of the University, has the unique opportunity to
study in the refurbished House of Tan Yeok Nee. She says, Rarely do we get such a
chance to in a classroom which used to be the dining hall of a former Chinese
tycoon. Sometimes, I feel like I am in an ancient Chinese period drama instead of a
school.
Another unique national monument is the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, which was built
between 1845 and 1846. It stands as a proud icon at Beach Road and its tall,
graceful minaret is a famous landmark for those who frequent the area. It is one of
the few mosques in Singapore named after a woman. Hajjah Fatimah herself was a
tradeswoman who married a Bugis prince. The mosque was built on the site where
her house used to stand. The heartfelt story of the mosque is one of thanksgiving
and gratitude. Hajjah Fatimahs house was burgled twice and set on fire but she was
unharmed as on all three occasions as she was away. Thankful for her life, she built
the mosque as a symbol of gratefulness.
The melting pot of culture in Singapore is also prominent early in her history,
especially in the Nagore Dargah, an Indian Muslim shrine built between 1828 and
1830. The shrine is interestingly located at Telok Ayer Street, right in the heart of
Singapores Chinatown. It was built by the earliest Indian immigrants to Singapore
and it is dedicated to a holy man from Nagore who was thought to guarantee safe
travel. Apart from the unique location of this shrine, the buildings architecture styles
feature an unusual blend of Moorish and European influences in its dome and
windows. Now a heritage centre with an eatery offering delicious and authentic
Indian Muslim cuisine, the shrine is worth a visit just to admire the impressive
architecture or have a taste of local dishes like murtabak and biryani.

English Department 2016

Language Supplement

Feature Article Write-Up Sample

Molly Swanson, a tourist from the UK, was very impressed after a visit to Nagore
Dargah and a feast of Indian Muslim vegetarian food. She said, It was very amazing
to see how different cultures came together to create such a brilliant masterpiece like
this shrine. Since I am an architect myself, I am absolutely thrilled to be able to see
this place. And of course, the food was excellent, especially the biryani and the prata
with vegetable curry.
Singapores religious buildings are definitely more than just places of worship. They
are unique places where we can learn more about our own countrys history as well
as her people, and how all of them came together to create these impressive
buildings rich in local culture and fascinating stories.

English Department 2016

Language Supplement