Haji Lane

Haji Lane is in the Kampong Glam neighborhood of Singapore, a short walk from Bugis MRT. Young people frequent the shophouses along this lane for the independent stores and cafes, such as Pizza Fabbrica, Good Luck Beerhouse, and Monocle. Haji Lane got its name because of the businesses here. There were many Arab pilgrim-brokers who would arrange the haj for Muslims in Singapore and from nearby islands such as Java.

1800s-1960s: The shophouses of Haji Lane were most commonly used as lodges for Hajj pilgrims whilst on their journeys. During their stay, the pilgrims would work close by as hawkers to save enough money to continue the rest of their journeys.

1960s-1970s: Haji Lane provided shophouse homes for poorer Malay families.

After the 1970s: There were a lot of empty shophouses. The ones that were occupied were used as storage spaces.

Dawn is a beginner sketcher based in Singapore. He is a member of Urban Sketchers Singapore. You can see more of Dawn’s sketches here: @dasketchpassions (Instagram).