Balai Nobat - Alor Setar, Kedah

Balai Nobat of Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia.

The octagonal tower's sole purpose is to house the royal musical instruments known as Nobat, and is considered as part of royal regalia only plays for special occasions and ceremonies. The original tower, constructed of wood, was rebuilt in 1906 using concrete and metal with a dome representing the Islamic element. 

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* Towards the opening of Alor Setar City in 1735 by Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Mu'adzam Shah II, 19th Sultan of Kedah (1710-1778), several early buildings were constructed including the Kota Setar Palace, the Balai Besar, Balai Nobat (Nobat Hall/Tower) and the State Mosque . The original design of the building is not known but it is made of wood. 

* During the time of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah, the 24th Sultan of Kedah (1854-1879), a new five-storey building was built. The entire building is made of wood and zinc. 

* During the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 26th Sultan of Kedah (1882-1943), the new building was made of stone and metal. The design is the same as the previous wood frame. It has three floors and the dome at its peak reflects the Islamic elements as in the mosque. The new building was completed in 1906. 

Source: Wiki

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