 Istana Kota Lama, Kota Bharu
Istana Kota Lama, Kota Bharu (1 January 2007)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Istana Kota Lama (Map) is the old palace of the state of Kelantan. Located at the bank of the Kelantan River, it was the official residence of the rulers of Kelantan in the early 19th century. However, its proximity to the river made it prone to flooding.
The palace was used until 1840, when a new palace now known as Istana Balai Besar, was built to replace it farther inland from the Kelantan River. After the relocation, initiated during the reign of Sultan Muhammad II, the old palace was known as Istana Kota Lama (Old Fortress Palace), while the new site, with its palisade fortifications, was known as Kota Bharu (New Fortress).
Today Istana Kota Lama has been fully restored and rebuilt. What you see today are the new palace complex that continues to be used as one of the official residences of the Kelantan royalty.
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