The History Of Haji Lane by Jue Ying

Haji Lane is an inconspicuous lane, lined with first-generation shop houses only several metres wide located in Kampong Glam.

In nineteen century, Kampong glam served as boarding houses for poor Malay families and provided pilgrims a roof over their head. Haji Lane was named with its reference to Islam. The name ‘haji’ was an indication of the return of pilgrims who stayed at Haji Lane’s shophouses from their annual pilgrimage to Mecca (the hajj).It was known as the Muslim Quarter due to the strong presence of Muslim community. 

Photo source: "Kampong Glam - Spirit of a Community"


Later, the British Empire took over and most Malay families were displaced. Arabs, Chinese, and Indians families started settling in Kampong Glam. However, Kampong Glam remained a place where many will visit to purchase Arab-Muslim traditional foodstuff and merchandise.

 Over the second half of the 20th century, Haji Lane was transformed from a depressing row of shop houses mostly used as warehouse space to a funky trendy street filled with nail parlours, cafes, individualistic boutiques and graffiti-covered walls.

 Today, Haji Lane has become a place of interest which is often patronised by locals and foreign visitors.

 Sources:
History Of Kampong Glam
Arab Street-Haji Lane
Your Singapore-Haji Lane