Ramadhan at Kauman Grand Mosque

Fri, June 15, 2018 / 11:36 am

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The eighteenth century Kauman Grand Mosque is an Islamic symbol in the Yogyakarta Palace. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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The palace symbol is seen on the top of the main gate. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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One of the two gates of the mosque. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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Men walk to the mosque shortly before the breaking of the fast. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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A man walks past the mosque. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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Conducting wudhu (ablutions) before entering the mosque. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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The congregation performs mass prayers in the main hall of the mosque. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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Gold engravings decorate the podium. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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A Danish tourist wears a sarong upon entering the mosque, as required. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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Plates are prepared for the breaking-the-fast meals. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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A mosque management staff member pours sweetened hot tea for breaking the fast. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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Pilgrims listen to Islamic teachings while waiting for the breaking of the fast. JP/Boy T. Harjanto

Boy T Harjanto

During the fasting month of Ramadhan, every afternoon many mosques prepare meals for breaking the fast. Visitors come to the mosque to learn about Islamic teachings and wait for the adzan (call to prayer) to break the fast at dusk.

So it is at Mesjid Gedhe Kauman (Kauman grand mosque) in Yogyakarta – which has always prepared breaking-the-fast meals during the fasting month. The mosque was built by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I, assisted by Kyai Faqih Ibrahim and Kyai Wiryokusumo as architects. It was built in 1773.

The mosque has a tajug (pyramid-like rooftop), which is common in Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia. The main doors are located in the northeast. In the western side inside the mosque, there is a three-tier wooden podium to allow the imam lead the prayers.

The mosque – as part of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Islamic kingdom – is not exclusively for the royal family but is open for all Muslims to perform their prayers. [yan]