Baiturrahman Great Mosque Witness History in Banda Acehbolditalic
Baiturrahman Great Mosque is a religious symbol, courage and nationalism of the people of Aceh
One of the mosques that became a favorite place for people who want to travel in Aceh is Baiturrahman Great Mosque. The mosque is known as one of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia is located in downtown Banda Aceh, so easy to reach for anyone who wants to travel there. Baiturrahman Great Mosque is a symbol of the grandeur of Banda Aceh City as the Capital of Aceh Province. Masjid Raya Biturrahman is also the center of all activities in Aceh. Baiturrahman Great Mosque is one of the reasons why the city of Aceh is called as the Veranda of Mecca.
In addition to being a tourist attraction, the mosque is also an important part in the history of Aceh, and also a special place for people who want to establish a marriage contract. On 26 December 2004 the tsunami hit Aceh. The 21-meter-high tsunami waves completely disintegrate Aceh. Houses and buildings were destroyed and many casualties fell. However, the Baiturrahman Great Mosque still stands firmly and suffers only minor damages.
At a Glance Baiturrahman Great Mosque looks like Taj Mahal in India. This is not surprising, because some of the architecture of this mosque is similar to the architecture of mosques in India. The architecture of this mosque is electric, which combines the various elements and the best models from various countries to produce a magnificent design as well as beautiful. Because the architect of the mosque during the second construction was a captain of the Dutch army, it is not surprising that there are several designs of Persian and Spanish patterns.
Baiturrahman Great Mosque is a religious symbol, courage and nationalism of the people of Aceh. This mosque was built during the time of Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607-1636), and became the center of religious education in the archipelago. At that time many students from the archipelago, even from Arabia, Turkey, India, and Parsia who came to Aceh to study the religion. The mosque was the base of the people's defense during the war with the Dutch (1873-1904). When the Dutch attacked the city of Banda Aceh in 1873, the mosque was burned, At that time, Major General Khohler was shot dead in the forehead by the forces of Aceh in the yard of the Great Mosque. To commemorate the event, built a small monument in front of the left of the Grand Mosque, precisely under the ketapang tree.
Six years later, to suppress the anger of the people of Aceh, the Dutch through Governor-General Van Lansnerge rebuilt this Grand Mosque by laying its first stone in 1879. The Baiturrahman Great Mosque had a single dome completed on December 27, 1883. Furthermore the Baiturrahman Great Mosque was expanded into 3 dome in 1935. Then the last one was expanded again into 5 domes (1959-1968). The mosque has then been expanded and currently has 7 domes. Baiturrahman Great Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Indonesia and has a sweet shape, interesting carvings, a large yard and feels very cool when it is in the room of the mosque.
When you walk through the main gate, the first one you encounter is a very large tower, commonly used by people to see the beauty of the city of Banda Aceh from above. Down the middle of the mosque yard, you can see a fish pond that is a favorite place for children to play. Children often ask their parents to take him to the place even if only to see and feed the fish.
The mosque continues to be preserved by adding new decorations every time. There is no chance that we can see the mosque is not well organized. Many people from other countries are fascinated by the beauty of this mosque with the story behind it. There is even an area that is in Minimundus Miniature Park, Austria which established a replica of the Great Mosque of Baiturrahman. This house of worship has a grand architecture. Inside, old-fashioned chandeliers became a classic and memorable lighting. The large buffer poles are also coated with brass. The decoration of calligraphy and the cleanliness of the floor makes many people worship there.
The mosque in downtown Banda Aceh has an area of 3.30 hectares with five gates. Capable of accommodating 10,000-13.000 pilgrims in it. But if you use the yard, you can load up to 25,000 people. Baiturrahman Great Mosque is a place that is perfect for those of you who want to travel at once worship and also enjoy the history of Aceh. It is not satisfied for those of you who have been to Aceh, but never once worship or visit this sturdy mosque. In addition to having various historical stories behind it, this mosque is also the most beautiful place for those of you who want to open a new page in life
