Zuliskandar Ramli

The Study of the Nineteenth-Century AD East Coast Red Qur’an Bindings

This research is to reveal the East Coast Malay Peninsula’s Quran binding design and decoration. There are many varieties of materials, colours, techniques and designs used in the Malay Archipelago to decorate bookbinding, including the Quran. One of the famous Malay illuminated Qurans is known as the East Coast Quran style, which is designated to Terengganu and Kelantan, located in the East Coast area of the Malay Peninsula. This Quran binding style was mainly wrapped with red leather as their covers. Therefore, it is called red Quran bindings. The aim of this research is to develop another method to identify the origin of the Quran production, besides the illumination styles. Unlike Qurans from Turkey and Persia, which were signed, Qurans in this area were not signed, and it is difficult to identify their origins. This research applies a typological methodology to set a standard template for the designs and decorations. Kelantan and Terengganu were famously known as Islamic learning centres in this region in the nineteenth century rich with traditional local arts and culture.

The Potential of Heritage Tourism Development in Jugra, Selangor, Malaysia, Using SWOT Analysis

This article discusses the potential of heritage tourism development in the old town of Jugra, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia, from several aspects such as archaeology, ecology and nature. The SWOT analysis is created to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to investigate the potential of the study area to be a heritage tourism site. The data of the SWOT analysis was also obtained through quantitative research method by using questionnaire. The survey had been distributed to the local people aged 16 years and above who have lived in the area for more than three years. A total of 392 respondents answered the questionnaire appropriately. The results revealed that Jugra is potential to have historical and cultural heritage assets where the natural heritage elements reside. In terms of weaknesses, the study found that several elements of the cultural heritage in Jugra have been abandoned and vandalised by visitors, especially in the area of Bukit Jugra. Geographically, Jugra is located at the end of the district which is far away from the town, which may have caused the area to be relegated. In terms of opportunities, local authorities have planned to create public transport and facilities such as tram or tourist van in the study area. Jugra also has an opportunity to be developed as a heritage tourism destination as its legacy may become an attraction to many tourists. While in terms of threats, there are few reports which revealed that Jugra is left unguarded because of economic factors. Moreover, the findings from the survey have shown that in terms of strengths, majority said that there are major attractions in Jugra by the story of its legacy. In terms of weaknesses, most of the respondents believed that poor infrastructure is a major problem that might affect the development of heritage tourism in Jugra. In terms of opportunities, most of the respondents agreed that Jugra has the potential to be well-known all over the nation and even the world when it is developed as a heritage tourism site. While in terms of threats, majority of the respondents decided that the main challenge for Jugra to become a heritage tourism site is the provision of infrastructure needs. In addition, the study also found that most of the respondents have fully supported the efforts on heritage protection and conservation in the study area (88.2%).

Community and Government Involvement in Preserving the Buatan Barat Boat in Southern Thailand

The traditional Malay boat is one of the Malay art objects that have now been gradually forgotten by the Malay community in the East Coast. Preservation of traditional boats is important to keep this cultural heritage from being vanished and constantly forgotten. The preservation of Buatan Barat boats made by the Malay community in Southern Thailand is one way to maintain the Malay cultural heritage. Even though there is no specific planning in preserving this heritage, the arising awareness in the community shows the existence of one main purpose, which is to preserve the Buatan Barat boat in Southern Thailand.

Archaeology, Culture, and History: Concept and Potential as a Product of Heritage Tourism in Malaysia and Indonesia

Nowadays, many tourists want to see the history of the nation and their culture in it. Archaeology, history, and culture are seen as capable of contributing to national development especially when you associate with the heritage tourism. The three things are linked because the three have a strong bond. In my opinion, archaeology, history, and culture are in harmony of each other. This is because archaeology is part of history and cultural data, including the paleoenvironment data (ecofact), which are the primary data in archaeological research. However, this view would conflict with those who adhere to the idea that “archaeology is anthropology or it is not science.” In English, it is said that “archaeology is anthropology or it is nothing.” It is the faith of those who subscribe to the “New Archaeology” born in America.

Islamic Archeology: Reassessment

In this research, an early study was done to provide a new concept in Islamic archeological significance. Islamic archeology includes specific definitions and concepts that differentiate it from common archeology. If seen in this current time, all parties talk or make a special concept in respect of science that according to Islamic references. Thus this paper will discuss about some of the cases that will outline a reasonable idea of Islamic archeology as the well a known at this time as an Islamic economic system, Islamic banking and others again.

Archaeological Research in Kedah: Prehistoric and Proto-historic Sites

Archaeological research has uncovered a wealth of data and significant information which particularly helped the country to have its early history accurately known. This study investigated the prehistoric and proto-historic period in Kedah based on previous research. The results of the study inspired various ideas about date and chronology, technology advancement, commerce, religious beliefs and social life. This study also found various excavation sites which have been identified as prehistoric and proto-historic sites. This study referred to previous research and has listed the prehistoric and proto-historic sites. The research was conducted using field research and library resources. The study revealed that, in research and excavation sites, various artefacts such as pottery, porcelain, stone, beads, glass, skeletons, temple objects and others have been found. In addition, issues such as religion, epigraphy, iconography, temples, trade and Indianisation process were also discussed and linked together with a variety of artefacts that were found in every excavation site. With the help of the government particularly and the private sector generally, the opening of the archaeological sites by local and foreign archaeological researchers has been made possible. Such studies have helped to add evidence to the history, civilisation and progress of the ancient society particularly in Kedah and Malaysia in general.