History of Geylang

The story of Geylang Serai

One of the oldest Malay settlements in Singapore, the area was once known as the “Malay Emporium of Singapore”. Geylang is also a hub for many other communities who work and live here.

The area that is Geylang Serai today was mostly uninhabited until 1842-43 when the British colonial government relocated Orang Laut and Malay villagers from the Singapore River to remove obstructions to port trade. By the middle of 19th century, the area had acquired the name of Geylang Kelapa (kelapa means “coconut” in Malay) due to the presence of many coconut plantations. In the mid-19th century, the island drew migrants from Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian archipelago.

Located between Changi Road and Sims Avenue, the Geylang Serai Market was an important landmark which opened in 1964. Consisting of a wet market, food centre and a covered concourse, the then new market(which many affectionately called Pasar Baru) replaced an older market located at the site of Joo Chiat Complex.

Another landmark, Joo Chiat Complex, was completed in 1985 on the site of the former Changi Market. The Tan Swie Hian Museum, located at the junction of Lorong 31 Geylang and Sims Avenue, features the work of Tan Swie Hian, one of Singapore’s most important visual artists and the winner of the Cultural Medallion in 1987.

Hari Raya Light Up!

Every year, during the Muslim month of Ramadan, the streets around Geylang Serai come alive with colourfu; lights and festive décor to welcome Hari Raya Adilfitri, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, this festival marks the end of a month of daily fasting and meditation. The Hari Raya light up first began in 1984, when the community first erected arches over Geylang Serai Road that represented minarets and hung mock ketupats(rice cakes) and bunga manggar (bridal flowers) from street lamps. The festive mood is enhanced by a giant street bazaar set up around the marketnwith hundred of stalls serving up Malay delicacies, souvenirs, garments, home furnishing , furniture,etc.

The Alsagoffs

In 1848, Syed Abdul Rahman Alsagoff arrived in Singapore with his son and set up Alsagoff & Company. The Alsagoffs were prominent traders and philanthropists who donated generously to endowments for Islamic schools and charities. Part of the present Eunos Road and Geylan Serai Road was formerly named Jalan Alsagoff in 1932 after the Alsagoff family.

Geylang Serai during World War II and After

Like other parts of Singapore, Geylang Serai suffered severe damage during the second World War when Japanese troops marched into the area from Pulau Tekong and Changi. The Japanese made tapioca as the staple food due to a rice shortage.

After the war, Geylang Serai saw the rise of new Malay and Chinese settlements.

As part of a nation-wide policy to provide public housing across Singapore, the development Of Geylang Serai into a modern housing estate took place in three main phases between the 1960s and 1980s.

Former Leong Nam Temple

Children in the neighbourhood were once entertained whenever Chinese festivals were once entertained whenever Chinese festivals were celebrated at the Leong Nam temple. The temple walls had Buddhist inscriptions in Malay, as many Chinese residents and traders in Geylang Serai are fluent speakers of Malay.

Sri Sivan Temple

Located at Geylang East Avenue 2, the Sri Sivan Temple is the main Hindu centre of worship in the area. Dedicated to the Lord Shiva, this temple was originally found in the 1850s at the site of Dhoby Gaut MRT station in Orchard Road. In 1983, it moved to Serangoon Road and then to Geylang East. The present Sri Sivan Temple is a unique blend of North and South Indian architectural styles.

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References:
We obtained extracts of text from the boards displayed at the Geylang Serai New Market, 2nd Storey.