Kandahar is a city found in Afghanistan. Evidently, it got its name from there. This also suggests that foreign traders from the Middle East must have settled in Singapore to have a Street named after them. We approached a man who was kind enough to answer some of our questions. From him, we gathered new insights about Arab Street. Although, I’d have to admit, we were taking down notes as he spoke, as if he was a lecturer! Moral of the story : it never hurts to ask!
It was also known from some accounts that Kandahar street was a place where thinkers, philosophers and the well-educated gathered (could this be the reason why the man we approached was so knowledgeable? Hmm.. )
To recreate the atmosphere of Middle East here in Singapore, the streets were named after cities found there. Such as, Kandahar, Bussorah, Muscat.. So basically, we were in mini Middle East, Singapore!
The shops numbered 44 to 54 still have their original architectural designs preserved. The ceilings are dark brown wood. The pattern was the same for all the shophouses mentioned. Not much renovation was done to them and you can see the beautifully, not to mention meticulously carved (a fantastic work of art!!) part above the windows. Instead of the metal window grills we use now, there are the wooden bars made in front of the windows (which I assume was for extra protection for the people living in the houses)
The shops numbered 44 to 54 still have their original architectural designs preserved. The ceilings are dark brown wood. The pattern was the same for all the shophouses mentioned. Not much renovation was done to them and you can see the beautifully, not to mention meticulously carved (a fantastic work of art!!) part above the windows. Instead of the metal window grills we use now, there are the wooden bars made in front of the windows (which I assume was for extra protection for the people living in the houses)
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