Mirza Mohamed Ali Namazie

Namazie was born in Chennai, which his father had emigrated to, in 1864. In 1909, he moved to Singapore and carried on work as a general merchant, as well as an agent for Namazee, a shipping firm from Hong Kong.[1] He was also employed in a patent flooring agency.[2]

Namazie owned a large amount of property in both Singapore and Chennai. He helped develop 3,000 acres of rubber and palm oil plantations. He established a trust fund of over RS 100,000 for charity in Chennai. He founded the firm M. A. Namazie and Sons, which was successful.[3]

Namazie was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Singapore Municipal Commission for several years. He was also a member of the Mohammedan Advisory Board.[1] His last business venture was the financing of the Capitol Building, which was originally known as the Namazie Mansion.[2] He was a prominent figure in the Indian community of Singapore.[4]

Namazie had four sons and eight daughters, including Mohamed Javad Namazie.[3]

Namazie died on 26 July 1931 from a heart attack at his residence on 12 Scotts Road.[1][3] His funeral was held on the next day.[5] Before his death, he revoked a clause in his will which would leave a third of his property to charity, as "he had made a number of charitable bequests since the will was drawn up."[6] His body was brought to Arabia to be buried.[1] All performances at the Capitol Theatre were cancelled for at least two days.[2]