Penang's Islamic heritage is beautifully represented by the iconic Kapitan Keling Mosque, built in 1801 with its distinctive Indo-Moorish architecture and elegant minaret. The state has been a center of Islamic scholarship and trade since the early 19th century, attracting Muslim merchants and scholars from across the region. Today, Penang's vibrant Muslim community maintains rich traditions through numerous mosques, Islamic schools, and cultural festivals that blend Malay, Indian, and Arab Islamic influences.