Masjid Tengkera, or formerly known as Masjid Besar Tengkera, is the second oldest mosque in Malaysia and is an important heritage for Melaka especially the community of Tengkera. Tengkera is the localised name of the area but was originally named Tranquerah which is a Portuguese word that means ‘Fortress’. The mosque symbolizes the establishment of Islam that began to spread in Melaka 600 years ago (mid-14th Century). The current building dates from 1780, having replaced an earlier one just across the street which was built in 1728 and of which only the minaret still remains (Menara Lama Surau Tengkera). Prior to the formation of the current state mosque, Masjid Al-Azim in 1990, Masjid Tengkera was the State Mosque.

The mosque has a magnificent design with architectural influences of Malay, Indonesian, and Chinese decorative elements. The main prayer hall is topped with a three-tiered pyramidal roof supported by four solid wooden pillars made of kayu belian (ironwood timber).

The traditional Malay style plaster roof crown has a floral design, topped with a small Islamic moon and star symbol. The lime mortar roof ridges support the roof itself and help prevent leaks. Their decorative design borrows from traditional Chinese construction methods. The minaret was built with a slight resemblance to a Chinese pagoda which is octagonal in shape and five storeys high, perhaps representing the five tenets of Islam. From the main prayer hall, wooden doors with intricate carvings open towards a shady veranda and ablution area. The whole compound is surrounded by an ornate cast-iron fence and the main VIP entrance gate is a grand beauty to behold.

It is no surprise that the mosque is now considered as a Heritage Building under the National Heritage Act 2005.

Operation Hour : Open 24 hours.

Contact Number : 06-2836538.

Address : Masjid Tengkera, Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka.