Description of the attraction
Fort Kuala Kedah is the main architectural and historical landmark of the city of Alor Setar. Built at the beginning of the 17th century, during the Portuguese colonization of the Malay Peninsula. At that time, he served as an outpost for defense against Siamese sea raids. The strategically good location ensured a long life for this fortification - both during the period of the struggle of the sultans with the Portuguese, and in the subsequent civil war between relatives for the sultanate. After the capture of the fortress in 1771, the next ruler, Mukarram Shah, ordered to fortify, practically rebuild Kuala-Kedah from stone and brick. Almost in this form, the structure appears to tourists today.
The double name of the fortress is due to its geographical location. "Kuala" in translation means a river, and the second part is the name of the fishermen's village. The fort is located on the right bank of the Sungai Kedah, the river of the Kedah state, near a fishing village and is still famous for fresh fish and dishes from it.
The construction scheme is identical to the usual European projects: fortress walls, a moat and cannons along the perimeter. Architecturally, it resembles another fortress built by the British on the island of Penang - Fort Cornwallis. During the construction of the fort, the materials at hand were primarily used. This is the land, tree trunks. And, of course, bamboo, which, although grass, has iron strength.
The fort has its own museum, surrounded by a garden, with a small exhibition of modern exhibits. The brick walls of the fort with metal cannons look very old. Despite the fact that along the entire river, like sentries, there are local fishermen with fishing lines. In places where the walls of the fort have been destroyed, wooden benches for relaxation are very aptly installed, complementing the atmosphere of antiquity and harmony.
