Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien

Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien
Padang Besar
Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien was decorated for the National Day in 2023
Map
TypeUrban park
LocationPusat Bandar, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Coordinates4°53′22″N 114°56′29″E / 4.8894486°N 114.9414580°E / 4.8894486; 114.9414580
EtymologySultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III
Managed byDepartment of Environment, Parks and Recreation[a]
ParkingOn site (no charge)

Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien is a historical urban park, located in the Pusat Bandar of Bandar Seri Begawan,[2] where significant state ceremonies are held, including the Sultan's birthday celebrations,[3][4] National Day,[5] the National Musabaqah Al-Quran,[6] and the birthday of Prophet Muhammad,[7] among others. Formerly known as Padang Besar,[b][9] the park underwent renovations in 1983 and was renamed in honour of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. This site holds historical importance, as it was the location of Brunei's declaration of independence reading on 1 January 1984.[10]

Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien is located across from the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital of Brunei.[11][12] Other notable buildings surrounding the field include the Secretariat Building[13] and the Community Hall.[14]

History

During the 1960s, Padang Besar served as the hub of Brunei Town's public life, drawing people of all ages for state functions, football games, and national festivities, such as the birthday of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. State officials, schoolchildren, and security personnel were among the participants. Families were able to take part in the festivities together with traditional puppet performances presented by the Department of Information, while local youth, students, and guest artists provided entertainment in the evenings.[15]

Features

The 10 metres (33 ft)-tall Cendera Lambang Kenangan was built especially for the silver jubilee celebration of Brunei Town's renaming as Bandar Seri Begawan.[c] This memorial insignia, presented by the Brunei Shell Company, cost about $60,000 and is located within the park. Arkitek Idris contributed its design while working with regional engineers. This magnificent building, which bears the inscription "Bandar Seri Begawan 1970 - 1995," was built to add a three-dimensional garden aspect to the cityscape.[17]

Events

Padang Besar (left) in the 1950s

The inaugural Pupils' Day took place in 1968 in Padang Besar, with Pengiran Muhammad Yusuf, the acting Menteri Besar of Brunei, presiding over the occasion. Students from all four districts participated in dances, cultural shows, and exhibitions during this event, which took the place of the previous Education Week. In August, the field organised festivities to commemorate the coronation of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, in which all schools took part.[18]

At exactly 00:01 on 4 October 1970, Brunei Town was legally renamed Bandar Seri Begawan. The statement was made by Pengiran Muhammad Yusuf, the Menteri Besar, during a ceremony held in Padang Besar. In commemoration of this milestone, Besar Sagap composed a song named "Ibu Kota Nan Indah" with lyrics by Abdul Wahab Mohamed.[19]

On 1 January 1984, at midnight, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah declared Brunei to be an independent nation.[20] Three booming cries of "Allahuakbar,"[21] led by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, signalled the start of the Takbir. The approximately 30,000 spectators who had assembled at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien broke into deafening celebrations.[22] Along with the rhythmic beats of hadrah drums and 21-gun salute,[23] the phrases "ALLAHU AKBAR" and "MERDEKA NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 1984," printed in both Jawi and Roman letters, lighted up the park. The proclamation was followed by a prayer of gratitude from Brunei's Mufti. On this occasion, Brunei formally left the British protectorate and became a Melayu Islam Beraja with complete sovereignty, the Sultan now having the last say in foreign affairs.[24]

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah formally declared in a speech on 31 May 1988, that Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III's personal emblem will be replaced with his own. The First and Second Battalions of the Royal Brunei Land Force received the Units' Colours from the Sultan during the same ceremony, which took place in Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, commemorating the event with military honour and custom.[25]

  • An extended view of the park
    An extended view of the park
  • The park with the backdrop of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
    The park with the backdrop of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
  • 2023 National Day celebration
    2023 National Day celebration
  • Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's 78th birthday celebration
    Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's 78th birthday celebration
  • The primary entryway gate
    The primary entryway gate
  • Close-up of the main gate
    Close-up of the main gate

Notes

  1. ^ The Ministry of Development's Department of Environment, Parks, and Recreation is in charge of overseeing the nation's recreational areas' upkeep and landscaping.[1]
  2. ^ The name Padang Besar means Big Field in English.[8]
  3. ^ Brunei Town was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan on 4 October 1970, during a ceremony conducted in Padang Besar.[16]

References

  1. ^ "Overview". Department of Environment, Parks, and Recreation. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar' Ali Saifuddien, Bandar Seri Begawan". Brunei History Centre (in Malay). Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  3. ^ Abdul Rahman, Haji Mohd Daud (16 February 2019). "Imbau kenangan lama Padang Besar". Media Permata Online (in Malay). Archived from the original on 18 July 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Istiadat Barisan Kehormatan mulai sambutan ulang tahun keputeraan Sultan Brunei". Astro Awani (in Malay). 16 July 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  5. ^ Pg. Ibrahim, Dk. Vivy Malessa (23 February 2016). "Kemeriahan sambutan dirasai semua lapisan masyarakat". Pelita Brunei (in Malay). Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  6. ^ "LATIHAN PENUH MAJLIS SAMBUTAN MAULUD NABI MUHAMMAD SHALLALLAHU 'ALAIHI WASALLAM PERINGKAT NEGARA BAGI TAHUN 1446 HIJRAH". Ministry of Religious Affairs (in Malay). 12 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  7. ^ Ministry of Religious Affairs (8 September 2024). "Perhimpunan, perarakan Maulidur Rasul pada 16 September ini". Pelita Brunei (in Malay). Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  8. ^ Kirkup, James (1968). Bangkok. Phoenix House. p. 8. ISBN 978-0-460-07911-2.
  9. ^ Bolhassan (21 February 2024). "Brunei's declaration". Borneo Bulletin Online. Archived from the original on 6 August 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  10. ^ Brunei History Centre (10 November 2018). "Tahukah Awda - Ruj. Tahukah Awda?". Pelita Brunei (in Malay). Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  11. ^ Adanan Haji Abdul Latiff (Haji) (2011). Bangunan ristaan (in Malay). Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei, Kementerian Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan. p. 18. ISBN 978-99917-0-770-9.
  12. ^ Sulaiman Haji Duraman (Haji) (2009). Kenali negara kita (in Malay). Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei, Kementerian Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan. p. 19. ISBN 978-99917-0-638-2.
  13. ^ "Secretariat Building". Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  14. ^ "Sejarah Ringkas". Museums Department (in Malay). Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  15. ^ Abdul Rahman, Haji Mohd Daud (15 September 2018). "Padang Besar menjadi tumpuan ramai". Media Permata Online (in Malay). Archived from the original on 16 September 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  16. ^ Brunei Darussalam Newsletter. Department of Information, Prime Minister's Office. October 2005. p. 18.
  17. ^ "Tempat dan Peristiwa Bersejarah" (PDF). Brunei History Centre (in Malay). Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  18. ^ Great Britain Colonial Office (1968). Brunei. H.M. Stationery Office. p. 128.
  19. ^ "DI-SEKITAR PENGISHTIHARAN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). 7 October 1970. pp. 4–5. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  20. ^ "Brunei Darussalam National Day". aipasecretariat.org. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  21. ^ Brahim Ampuan Haji Tengah (Ampuan Haji) (2008). Dari raungan katak ke globalisasi (in Malay). Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei, Kementerian Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan. p. 72. ISBN 978-99917-0-589-7.
  22. ^ Singh, Daljit; Cook, Malcolm (21 November 2018). Turning Points and Transitions: Selections from Southeast Asian Affairs 1974–2018. ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. p. 179. ISBN 978-981-4843-07-2.
  23. ^ Siddique, Sharon (1985). Southeast Asian Affairs 1985 - NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM. ISEAS Publishing. doi:10.1355/9789812306753-009. ISBN 9789812306753.
  24. ^ Muhammad Melayong, Muhammad Hadi (2 October 2017). "Peristiwa 4 Oktober : Dalam ristaan sejarah". Media Permata Online (in Malay). Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  25. ^ "RBLF History". Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
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