The site of many historical events, Padang Merdeka rose to prominence in 1844 after the completion of the Istana Besar. It is also known as Padang Bank (the bank refers to bank kerapu which was built nearby).

Padang Merdeka comes alive every year with the annual parade of Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja, in conjunction with the annual celebration of HRH Sultan of Kelantan's birthday (31st march).

It's worth to take note that at this site ,the British government once hanged the body of the famous nationalist fighter " Tok Janggut", upside down as an example to the Kelantanese people to conform to the colonial rule. Al-fatihah.