aspects have inspired a number of
architects and craftsmen to develop the
mosque concept under their unique belief
in the power of God.
Bangkok was established as the new
capital of Siam in 1782 for a diversity of
people, such as Siamese, Chinese, Mon,
Khom, and Khaek,
2
which included
Muslim. Muslims in Bangkok originally
came from several countries in different
periods. They have lived in the kingdom in
harmony with the believers of other
religions under the rule of the Siamese
monarchy. The king, as a great religious
patron, has taken care of Siamese subjects
belonging to different religions.
2 Khaek in Thai culture means a foreigner from
countries to the west of Thailand, excluding
Farang. Khaek are both Muslim, such as
Cham, Java, or Malay, and non-muslim, such
as Brahma, Armenan, or Sikh. Information
from an interview with Julispong Chularatana
on July 12, 2005
The image of Bangkok in the early
Rattanakosin period was based on
traditional Siamese culture, mainly based
on Buddhist and Brahman cultures, which
were different from Islamic beliefs. To
maintain their beliefs, the Muslims
accepted Siamese culture, adjusting it to
ethnic Islamic culture from their countries.
Cultural diversity in the architecture of
Bangkok has been expressed, particularly
in terms of religious buildings. Traditional
Siamese-style mosques with decorations
influenced by Islamic architecture in the
early Rattanakosin period were the
expression of culture through the language
of architecture.