Grand Mosque, a trace of Islamic civilization in Surakarta

Tue, May 21, 2019 / 06:53 pm

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People enter the Grand Mosque by its east gate. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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The symbol of the Surakarta sultanate – the initials PB X – is written on the minaret wall. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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A reflection of a century-old minaret. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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An ancient clock measures the time for prayers. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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A sign calls on pilgrims to put their sandals, shoes and bags in lockers. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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No smoking and proper attire signs are positioned at the mosque’s verandah. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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A schedule of preachers is seen on the announcement board. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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Antique knockers hang on the mosque’s main door. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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A mosque official hits the giant drum prior to the adzan (call to prayer). JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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Worshippers pray together. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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The mosque verandah is predominantly blue in color. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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Two boys play on the verandah. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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A worshipper passes the north gate of the Grand Mosque. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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Floral ornamentation decorates the wall of the north gate. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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A worshipper leaves a donation in the box after prayers. JP/Boy T. Harjanto

Boy T. Harjanto

The sound of a drum from the mosque’s verandah could be heard. It was near the juhur (midday) adzan (call to prayer), when many Muslims go to pray at the Surakarta Hadiningrat Grand Mosque.

The Grand Mosque was built by Sultan Pakubuwono III in 1763 and finished in 1768.

The mosque also serves as a venue for religious-related rituals such as Grebeg (an event to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Mohammad) and the Sekaten Festival (a week-long ceremony, festival and fair to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Mohammad), which are held in the compound.

The Surakarta sultan has a role as a religious leader in the sultanate.

All Grand Mosque staff have the same privilege as the courtiers.

The mosque is located on a 19,180-square-meter plot and its wall is as high as 3.25 meters.

The architecture of the mosque resembles a three-tier crown. There are also several other smaller buildings in the mosque compounds that serve different purposes. [yan]