Baiturrahman Mosque, a venerable landmark with a rich history

The Baiturrahman Mosque in Banda Aceh is a historic centre of worship for the people of Aceh. It’s not just a place of worship anymore, it’s also an icon of religious tourism for the local community in Aceh province, and even for other provinces in Indonesia.

Here’s a photo I took from above the Baiturrahman Mosque in Pasar Aceh. I was parked on the top floor of a shopping center in 2018, and I couldn’t resist capturing this stunning view.

A brief story about the Mosque

This mosque was built during the reign of Iskandar Muda in 1612 AD. It was a big deal back then, showing how rich and powerful Aceh was before it became part of Indonesia.

Aceh was known all over Europe for its military might and its amazing natural resources, especially its spices.

Unfortunately, this mosque was burned down by the Dutch colonialists in 1873. They did it because of a war between Aceh and the Dutch, who wanted to control Aceh because it had lots of fertile land.

After the mosque was burned, they fixed it up a few times, like in the 20th century and after the big tsunami in 2004.

Despite all the earthquakes that shook it, this mosque is still standing tall. It has these huge towers that can withstand earthquakes as strong as 9.3 on the Richter scale.

By the way, if you look around the mosque’s courtyard, you’ll find the grave of General Kohler, who died in the Aceh war. You can also see the graves of thousands of Dutch soldiers who were buried there.

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Upon entering the mosque courtyard, you’ll notice hydraulic umbrellas, similar to those found in mosques across the Middle East. These umbrellas provide a convenient way for visitors to stay dry, whether it’s a scorching hot day or a rainy day.

As you step into the mosque, you’ll be amazed by the intricate calligraphy adorning its walls. Each piece carries a profound meaning, from the sacred verses of the Quran to intricate designs that showcase the artist’s skill. But beyond its artistic beauty, calligraphy embodies the rich cultural heritage of Acehnese society, deeply rooted in Islamic traditions that have flourished for centuries.

You’ll also notice the pillars supporting the mosque’s structure. They’re sturdy and add a beautiful touch to the building. Even though it was hit by a devastating earthquake in 2004, this mosque is still standing strong.

Note: I posted these images previously on Steemit several years ago, I am attempting to republish them as a test against https://steematlas.com/

[//]:# (!steemitworldmap 5.55351016 lat 95.31732307 long Baiturrahman Mosque d3scr)