via Thai PBS, 12 December 2023: Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Bangkok’s historic Haroon Mosque in Bang Rak District intertwines spirituality and history with a rich culinary tradition. Initially built in the 1850s, the mosque showcases Islamic calligraphy and serves as a cultural hub for diverse Muslim communities. The anniversary event highlights a fusion of South Indian and Thai culinary delights, featuring specialties like biryani, kanji rice porridge, and suji ka halwa, symbolizing a blend of cultures and traditions.
Established by Indonesian migrants, the Haroon Mosque community, formerly known as the Ton Samrong community, attracted Muslim traders from Southern India and Java due to its proximity to the trading district.
Many residents are descendants of the original Indian-Muslim traders, while others have relocated to the area over the years. Today, the largest communities comprise descendants of Cham, Indian, and Pakistani ethnic groups, along with Muslims from other parts of Thailand, enriching the cultural tapestry of Charoen Krung.
Visiting Haroon Mosque offers a glimpse into the multicultural history of Charoen Krung and the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities. The mosque unfolds its unique charm through an exquisite display of decorative calligraphy in the prayer hall, a masterpiece skilfully crafted by the hands of Javanese artisans.
These mesmerizing patterns reveal the enchanting artistry of Islamic calligraphy, specifically the captivating style known as Muthanna or mirror writing. Within this style, a source text and its mirror image dance in symmetrical elegance along a horizontal or vertical axis, creating a truly enchanting visual experience.
