Istana Maziah

Istana Maziah was built to replace Istana Hijau (Green Palace) which was destroyed in a fire. Istana Hijau had been constructed during the reign of Sultan Omar (Baginda Omar) on 10 March 1870 (7 Zulhijjah 1286).

There are differing accounts about the exact date construction started on Istana Maziah. According to one record by Engku Pengiran Anum, the foundation stone of Istana Maziah was laid on Friday, May 31, 1895 (7 Zulhijjah 1312) at 10 am during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III (1881-1918). However, according to the records by Dato Seri Amar Diraja Haji Ngah Muhammad bin Yusof, the palace was built in 1897.

The architect of Istana Maziah is Tengku Chik Abu Bakar bin Tengku Abdul Jalil. He is a relative of Sultan Zainal Abidin III. Others also contributed towards the completion of the blue print and furnishing of Istana Maziah, including Engku Besar Paduka Raja Sayyid Abdullah bin Zin Al-Idrus, Muhammad bin Abdul Rahim (Encik Mat) and Dato’ Mata-Mata.

Wood supply to build the Istana came from the region of Dungun and this responsibility of obtaining it was entrusted to Tengku Panglima Besar Tengku Muda Kechik, while bricks and chalk were handled by Tengku Besar Paduka Indera.

Because of the constant lack of funds, the palace construction was delayed many times. When it was finally completed, the “upacara naik istana” ceremony, marking the sultan moving into the new palace was held on August 7, 1903 (14 Jamadil Awal 1312).

Several refurbishments were carried out throughout the reign of Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alam Shah (1920-1942) and Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah (1945-1979). Further additions were carried out to the Istana buildings in 1972 and 1998.