Alor Setar history

Alor Setar, the capital of the state of Kedah in Malaysia, is one of the oldest cities in the region, with a history closely interwoven with the development of the Kedah Sultanate. Its foundation and growth were driven by its strategic location and the political decisions of its rulers.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was officially founded on 31 December 1735 by the nineteenth ruler of Kedah, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II. It became the eighth administrative centre of the sultanate since its inception in 1136. The name "Alor Setar" itself is derived from the fusion of two Malay words: alor (small stream) and setar (a tree resembling a mango), indicating the abundance of these trees along the local rivers.

Key Factors of Establishment

The development of the city was defined by several key aspects:

• Political Centre: Since its foundation, Alor Setar has served as the residence of the Sultan and the state capital, ensuring its stability and administrative significance.
• Geographical Location: Located in the north of the Malay Peninsula, near the border with Thailand, the city became a vital transport and trade hub. Its proximity to the Kedah River facilitated the development of commerce.
• Trade: The city quickly transformed into a distribution centre for goods, particularly rice grown on the fertile plains of northern Kedah. It attracted merchants from various regions, including British, Indian, and Chinese traders.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Alor Setar was a multicultural hub where the Malay majority coexisted with Chinese, Indian, and Thai communities. The city's economy was focused on agriculture, primarily rice cultivation, and trade. The architectural landscape of the city began to take shape with the construction of significant buildings, such as the Zahir Mosque (1912) and the Balai Nobat tower, designed to house royal musical instruments. These structures remain a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Alor Setar today.

Key Dates in the History of Alor Setar

The history of Alor Setar is a chronicle of the Kedah Sultanate, colonial influences, and the journey towards modernity. Below are the major milestones that shaped the appearance and significance of the city.

31 December 1735

The city was officially founded by Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II, becoming the eighth capital of the Kedah Sultanate.

1821

The Siamese invasion of Kedah led to the capture of the sultanate, and Alor Setar fell under direct Siamese administration for two decades.

1909

Following the signing of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty, Kedah, including Alor Setar, transitioned from Siamese influence to a British protectorate.

1912

Construction was completed on the Zahir Mosque, which stands today as one of the most famous and beautiful mosques in Malaysia.

1942–1945

During World War II, the city was occupied by Japanese forces and temporarily placed under the administrative control of Thailand, an ally of Japan.

31 August 1957

Kedah, with Alor Setar as its capital, became part of the independent Federation of Malaya.

14 August 1997

The official opening of the Menara Alor Setar (Alor Setar Tower) took place—a telecommunications and tourism symbol of the city standing 165.5 metres tall.

21 December 2003

Alor Setar was officially granted city status (Bandaraya), marking a new stage in its development.

Major Stages of Development and Transformation

The evolution of Alor Setar reflects a journey from a traditional Malay settlement to a modern administrative and economic centre. The city developed through strategic decisions by rulers and major infrastructure projects that changed its landscape and way of life.

• 1735: Establishment of the Administrative Centre. The Sultan's decision to move the capital here was the starting point for urban development. This transformed a small trading settlement into the political heart of the region, around which artisan and merchant quarters began to form.
• 1912: Cultural Self-Determination. The completion of the Zahir Mosque not only gave the city its primary symbol but also cemented its status as a centre of Islamic architecture and education in Malaysia. This event stimulated the development of religious schools and public spaces.
• 1915: Transport Integration. Connecting the city to the Malay Peninsula's railway network radically changed the economy. The arrival of the railway allowed for the mass export of agricultural products and simplified trade links with the southern states and Thailand.
• 1970: Agrarian-Economic Breakthrough. The establishment of the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) with its headquarters in the city led to large-scale irrigation of the surrounding lands. This event secured the region's status as the country's "rice bowl", ensuring economic stability and population growth.
• 1990s: Urbanisation and Modernisation. The construction of the North-South Expressway and the erection of the Menara Alor Setar telecommunications tower (1997) marked the transition to a modern urban environment. The city became an important telecommunications hub and began to attract tourist traffic.
• 2003: New Administrative Status. The official granting of city status (Bandaraya) was a recognition of its growth and significance. This event entailed the restructuring of municipal services, improvement of urban infrastructure, and the emergence of modern shopping centres, such as Aman Central.

Architectural Eclecticism and Urban Landscape

The urban character of Alor Setar is unique in that it was formed not merely as a trading hub, but as a royal capital. The central part of the city is focused around the historic Dataran Medan Bandar square, where buildings from different eras and cultures coexist harmoniously. The city's architecture reflects a fusion of Malay traditions, strong Thai influence, and British colonial heritage, creating a unique visual array in the northern part of Malaysia.

Eras and Architectural Styles

The city's development can be divided into several key stages, each characterised by its own dominant style:

• Traditional Era (18th–19th Centuries) — Malay Style and Thai Influence.
  In the early period, development consisted primarily of wooden structures on stilts, characteristic of the tropical climate.
  Iconic elements: Curved roofs, wood carving, open verandas. A striking example of early influence (albeit in a reconstructed form) is Balai Nobat—a tower for storing royal musical instruments, the shape of which resembles Thai temple structures.
• Colonial Period (Early 20th Century) — Moorish Style and Classicism.
  Under the British protectorate, monumental stone buildings appeared in the city. The British and local rulers often chose the majestic Moorish (Indo-Saracenic) style for administrative and religious structures, emphasising the Islamic identity of the region.
  Iconic buildings:
  • Zahir Mosque (Masjid Zahir): Built in 1912, it is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Its five black domes symbolise the Five Pillars of Islam, and the architecture references the Azizi Mosque in Indonesia.
  • Balai Besar: The royal audience hall, combining Thai decorative elements with Victorian cast-iron columns.
  • Kedah State Art Gallery (former High Court): An example of colonial classicism with elements of Roman architecture (columns, porticos).
• Independence Era and Modernity (Late 20th — 21st Century) — Modernism and High-Tech.
  Upon receiving city status, Alor Setar reached for the sky. Modern architecture here is functional, utilising glass and concrete, symbolising technological progress.
  Iconic building: Menara Alor Setar (165.5 m). This telecommunications tower, built in a futuristic modernist style, resembles a bundle of rice stalks, paying tribute to the agrarian status of the state.

Urban Planning Features

The historic city centre is compact and convenient for walking, which is atypical for many Asian metropolises. Most heritage sites are concentrated along the Kedah River, which was historically the main transport artery. Modern districts are developing around this historical axis, expanding to the east and west, where new shopping malls and residential complexes are appearing.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Alor Setar

Alor Setar, as the capital of one of Malaysia's oldest sultanates, is the birthplace and place of activity for many iconic figures in the country's history. Here are some of them:

• Mahathir Mohamad (born 1925) — The fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia. Born in Alor Setar. His name is associated with a period of rapid economic modernisation of the country. The house where he was born is now a museum.
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj (1903–1990) — The first Prime Minister of Malaysia, known as the "Father of Independence" (Bapa Malaysia). Born in the royal palace in Alor Setar. He played a key role in achieving Malaysia's independence.
• Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (1927–2017) — The 28th Sultan of Kedah. A unique historical figure, as he served twice as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia). He was born in and ruled from Alor Setar.
• Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II (reigned 1710–1778) — The 19th Sultan of Kedah, who officially founded Alor Setar on 31 December 1735, making it the eighth capital of the sultanate.
• Sharifah Rodziah Syed Alwi Barakbah (1920–2000) — The First Lady of Malaysia, wife of Tunku Abdul Rahman. Born in Alor Setar, she provided significant support to her husband in his political activities on the road to the country's independence.
• Bront Palarae (born 1978) — A renowned Malaysian actor, screenwriter, and producer. Born in Alor Setar. He has received recognition at both national and international levels, starring in many successful films and series.