George Town (Penang)

5.4179527777778100.32961388889Koordinaten: 5 ° 25 ' 5 " N, 100 ° 19' 47" O

Georgetown is the capital of the island of Penang and of the federal state in Malaysia. It is located on the northeastern tip of the island and has 178 358 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2005), mainly Chinese. Including the suburbs which will, together with George Town the 119 km ² large district Timur Loud, live in the catchment area of ​​the city a total of 520,000 inhabitants (as of 2010 ).

History

In 1786, traders of the British East India Company settled under the leadership of Francis Light. Is named the city after the British monarch George III. The locals call their city but " Penang ".

Culture and sights

In the inner city of George Town there are many mosques, churches, Hindu and Chinese Buddhist temple.

Worth mentioning in particular the Captain Kling Mosque, the oldest mosque in Penang. Originally by members of the East India Company built in the late 18th century. In November 1801 Captain Kling, a prominent Tamil and Muslim businessman received 18 acres of land to build a new mosque. 1916 replaced the current mosque, the old building. Here Islamic architecture reflects the Indian influence.

The Hainan Temple, originally founded in 1866. The current building is from 1895, it was restored in 1995.

The Goddess of Mercy Temple, its first foundation was laid in 1728 by Chinese settlers, is one of the oldest Chinese temple in Penang. It was finished in 1801. It is dedicated to the Buddhist Kuan Yin and Ma Chor Poh. His original name is " Kong Hock Keong Temple ".

The Arulmigu Mahamariamman temple, also Sri Mahamariamman temple or Mariyamman Temple. The original shrine Sri Mahamariamman was expanded in 1833 to a temple and is one of the oldest Hindu temple in Georgetown. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Sri Muthu Mariamman. One located in the interior of the temple statue of the god is the occasion of the nine -day festival Navarithri down each year in a procession through the district of " Little India ". The Mariamman temple has a 23 -meter-high sculpture tower, on which 38 statues of Hindu deities are.

  • " Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Sri Mahamariamman temple interior

Sri Mahamariamman temple interior

After landing, the British under Captain Francis Light in 1786 this was built here, the " Fort Cornwallis ." It originally consisted of palisades. 1804 was then fitted with massive stone walls. Today, located in the Fort an open air museum, as well as an outdoor stage. The cannons are originally from Holland and were delivered to the Sultan of Johor. After a few detours, they were eventually put up here. Northeast of the fort " Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse " was built in 1882. It formed the colonial period a prominent point. 1914 and 1928, the lighthouse was renovated and converted into a Harbor Lighthouse. He now has a white 21 -meter-high steel truss tower. The sight of the lighthouse is 16 nautical miles.

Also worth seeing is Khoo Kongsi, ornate home of a Chinese family clan. The original house burned down completely in 1884. 1902 a new building was erected, which is however smaller than it was the old house. Chinese craftsmen decorated the house with fine ornaments and carvings. The workers also left their initials.

Near the headland is the 18 meter high clock tower, which was built in 1897 for the sixtieth jubilee of Queen Victoria.

In the suburb of Air Itam is the Ke Lok Si is the largest Chinese temple in Malaysia. He is one of the most important Buddhist systems of Malaysia.

  • Mosques and temples in Georgetown

Hainan Temple

Hainan Temple interior

Kon Hock Keong Temple

Kon Hock Keong temple interior

Georgetown is led since 2008, together with Malacca on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Economy and infrastructure

Georgetown is one of the main ports of Malaysia and is a hub for rubber and agricultural products. The place became the berth for merchant ships in importance, which plied between the Empire of China and India. 1985, a 13.5 km long cable-stayed bridge was opened to the mainland, the " Penang Bridge". It is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. Started in 2007 with the construction of another, 24 -kilometer bridge.

Education

Georgetown is also home to a university and the WorldFish Center.

Religion

Georgetown is the seat of the Diocese of Penang.

Twinning

  • Australia Adelaide, Australia
  • People's Republic of China Xiamen, People's Republic of China
  • Japan Kanagawa, Japan
  • Indonesia Medan, Indonesia
  • China Republic Taipei, Republic of China
  • Thailand Bangkok, Thailand

Sons / daughters of the town

  • Lee Chong Wei (born 21 October 1982), badminton player
Natural rubber Roman Catholic Diocese of Penang
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