Khoo Kongsi
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[edit] How to get there (within Georgetown, Penang)
Coming out of the mosque's compound (near Chulia Street), walk straight ahead onto Lebuh Cannon. This street is so called after a hole in the ground made by cannon balls fired into the area during the Penang Riots of 1867. These were the secret society wars, fought between local groups, which the British tried to suppress.
The Straits Chinese from the surrounding clan associations together with the Acheen St Mosque community formed an alliance against later Chinese immigrants and the Rope Walk Mosque community.
On your left, you will see a row of Straits eclectic-style terrace houses from the late 1930s, faced with Shanghai plaster. On your right are a plainer row of shophouses from the late 19th century. Enter the porte cochere in the middle of the row to visit Penang's most famous historic monument, the Khoo Kongsi at Medan Cannon. You will walk through a charming street flanked by rows of mid-19th century shophouses. Turn right and you will see the recently renovated Khoo Kongsi office building before you come to the majestic Khoo Kongsi, a gloriously ornate late-Ch'ng dynasty temple.
[edit] Background
The Khoo Kongsi is a clan association of the Leong San Tong (Dragon Mountain Hall) clan, whose forefathers came from Sin Kang clan village in Hokkien province. The Khoos were among the wealthy Straits Chinese traders of 17th century Malacca and early Penang. In the 19th century, the clan complex resembled a miniature clan village, with its own self-government as well as educational, financial, welfare and social organisations. The clan temple was built in 1906 when the Khoo clan was at the height of wealth and eminence in Penang society.
The famous Khoo Kongsi is the grandest clan temple in the country. It is also the city's greatest historic attraction. The clan temple has retained its authentic historic setting, which includes an association building, a traditional theatre and the late 19th century rowhouses for clan members, all clustered around a granite-paved square. The forefathers of the Khoo family who emigrated from South China built it as a clan-house for members of the Khoo family in 1851. It was burnt down in 1894, allegedly struck by lightning, and the Chinese believed that it was due to its resemblance to the Emperor's palace, which provoked the gods. A scaled-down version was later built in 1902 and completed in 1906. Even so, the complex boasts a magnificent hall embellished with intricate carvings and richly ornamented beams of the finest wood bearing the mark of master craftsmen from China. The clan temple is dedicated to the clan's patron deities and also houses a collection of ancestral tablets. Chinese opera is still staged at the theatre during the seventh lunar month. This is a wonderful cultural experience worth witnessing.
[edit] Opening hours
9.00am to 5.00pm - Mondays to Fridays
9.00am to 1.00pm - Saturdays
Permission to enter must be obtained from the Kongsi office.
Visitors are welcome, please note that the Khoo Kongsi is still a place where the name plaque of departed members of Khoo families are kept in honour and remembrance. Due respects and mindfulness in these places of importances are appreciated.
[edit] Others
Like many such clan associations in South East Asia, Khoo Kongsi is no longer the center of important social activities and functions that it once held. Different strategies and ideas are being implemented to redefined the place of clan associations in the 21st century.
