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Khoo Kongsi Clanhouse and Community:
Transformation of Social and Spatial Relationships
ABSTRACT
The “five great clans” are the leading clanhouses of the Penang Chinese in the 19th century. Their temple complexes are found in the inner city of George Town between Weld Quay and Carnavon Street. The clan temples, together with performance stages, public squares and clan dwellings surrounding the temples, were constructed in the 19th century. They made up a complete urban perimeter block, in which all the elements observed the traditional Chinese urban spatial orientation.
According to the rules and regulations of the clan associations, these institutions were founded with the initial objective of providing living quarters for their clansmen. These institutions have evolved over time, and unfortunately, many of the original objectives have already been forgotten. There are many instances were the clansmen have sublet the clanhouses to outsiders, or through uxorilocal practice, many residents who came to stay in the clan dwellings are no longer from the original clan. Nevertheless, with the imposition of Rent Control Act after Second World War, the turnover of residents was still relatively low, and the small number of resident clans formed a stable living community.
Regretfully with the repeal of Rent Control Act which took effect on 1 January, 2000, this community encountered a strong shock which resulted in its complete disintegration. No doubt the spatial character of the clan houses still remains intact but the socio-cultural fabric has been destroyed, leaving the shell.
Introduction
The five big clans in Penang were established in the early 19th cent ...