Chakraphong Mosque
Chakraphong Mosque
- Chakraphong Mosque is a historic Musjid situated in Bangkok, regarded as the oldest Musjid in the inner city area, known as Rattanakosin Island, near the Grand Palace and the royal field Sanam Luang.
- This Musjid dates back to the reign of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) during the early Rattanakosin period. It was constructed by war captives brought to Bangkok from Pattani after the autonomous Muslim sultanate in the south was conquered by an army led by the King’s younger brother, Somdet Phra Bawornrajchao Maha Sura Singhanat. The King allowed the Pattani Muslims to build homes and a Musjid within the city walls, providing them with land in Ban Tuek Din (present-day Ratchadamnoen Avenue near the Democracy Monument and Satriwitthaya School) and in Bang Lamphu (near Chakraphong Road). Later, during the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III), descendants of these captives settled along the banks of the Khlong Maha Nak canal (now Maha Nak Mosque in the Bobae area).
- Additionally, these captives were skilled goldsmiths serving in the royal court of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok, crafting decorative objects and regalia for royal ceremonies.
- Originally called “Surao Tong Pu” after the nearby Wat Tong Pu (later Wat Chana Songkhram), the Musjid was renamed Chakraphong Mosque after the road where it is located, Chakraphong Road (or Chakrabongse Road), named in honor of Prince Chakrabongse, a son of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).
- The original structure was entirely wooden, but it has since been renovated into the three-story yellow concrete building that stands today.