Malaysia
88 Armenian: Once a lodging house for Armenian traders the building is Penang’s top luxury boutique hotel
Siranush Ghazanchyan
March 10, 2020
The 88 Armenian hotel on UNESCO World heritage site of Armenian Street in Penang is a top luxury boutique hotel and of the best places to stay in the city, according to Unreserved Travel.
The early Straits-Eclectic style building was originally a lodging house that hosted the enterprising Armenian traders, before being taken over by the Chinese migrant community who occupied the streets with successful copper and brass businesses.
However, the building was burnt down many years ago and abandoned, prior to being turned into an art gallery. The restored and refurbished establishment now offers a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of Penang’s busy streets for anyone looking to indulge in some down time, author Sandeep Dhanoa writes.
According to the article, 88 Armenian stylishly combines its history with sleek design, evident in its copper-clad complements and accents, weaved into an elegant interior, perfect for anyone looking to capture the moment with the help of Instagram.
Originally, Armenian Street was called Malay Lane, after a Malay settlement that used to exist around the area. By 1808, the street was renamed as Armenian Street due to the influx of Armenian traders who resided along the road.
The Armenians went on to establish St. Gregory’s Church within George Town in 1822, while the Sarkies Brothers founded the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in the 1880s. The Armenian presence was short-lived, however, as most of the Armenians had already left by the time the church was demolished in 1937.
The Chinese gradually took over most of Armenian Street around the mid 19th century.
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A nostalgic look at Armenian Street
By SIMREN KAUR simren@thestar.com.my Photos by CHIN CHENG YEANG
THE Sarkies sisters — Loretta Regina, 71, and Jessie Ripsie, 65, — picked Armenian Street, for obvious reasons, to visit as they recalled the history of Armenians in Penang.
Both were touched to learn that the Armenian community in Penang, although small, made a lasting impact in the history of George Town.
Their ancestors — Arathoon Martin, James Arathoon Martin, Tigran, Aviet and Arshak Sarkies — founded and managed a chain of luxury hotels in the 19th Century throughout South-East Asia including the E&O Hotel, and Crag Hotel on Penang Hill.
The sisters, who are staying at the E&O Hotel, were captivated by the rich history and culture as they journeyed back in time listening to Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) secretary Clement Liang explain the significant presence of the Armenians in the state.
“Although there were only about 30 Armenians in George Town in the early 19th century, they were very enterprising and well-educated and served in the British service,” Liang said.
Loretta said that she enjoyed looking at the old buildings along Armenian Street and was proud of her Armenian heritage.
Jessie said she was fascinated with all that she has learned about Armenians in Penang.
After a stroll along the street yesterday, the sisters then headed to the Edelweiss Cafe for a drink where Penang Heritage Trust president Khoo Salma Nasution paid them a surprise visit.
“The sisters are a living link to the history of Sarkies and Armenians in Penang,” said Khoo.
The sisters were pleased with their visit here and are eagerly looking forward to returning soon. Loretta and Jessie arrived in Penang on Wednesday and will leave today.
Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F11%2F19%2Fnorth%2F9936252&sec=north
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