The Muzium Islam Kelantan (Kelantan Islamic Museum) is a vital cultural institution located in Kota Bharu, celebrated for its focus on the history and role of Islam in the state. The building itself is architecturally significant, originally constructed in 1902 as the residence for Kelantan’s Chief Minister, Hassan Mohd Salleh. Made of high-quality tropical hardwood and featuring intricate Islamic calligraphy of Quranic verses, the structure evokes the elegance of a traditional Malay palace or mosque.
From 1917 to 1990, it housed the Kelantan Islamic Council and Malay Customs before being renovated into the museum, which officially opened in 1991.
The museum’s collection delves into how Islam took root in Kelantan, a state often known as the “Veranda of Mecca” (Serambi Mekah). Exhibits showcase artifacts, manuscripts, and inscriptions related to Islamic scholars, the role of the Sultans as defenders of the faith, and Islamic art. The building is a two-story structure, with the library housed on the upper floor. It stands as a testament to Kelantan’s deep-seated religious heritage.
