A Brief History of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is a mosque located in downtown Banda Aceh, Aceh. Aceh is the westernmost province in Indonesia. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is a symbol of religion, culture, spirit, strength, struggle and nationalism of the Acehnese people. This mosque is a Banda Aceh landmark since the days of the Aceh Sultanate. Before it became as beautiful as it is today. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque has a very long history

Long story short, this mosque was first built in 1612 during the reign of the Aceh sultanate by Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607 - 1636). Another history says this mosque was founded by Sultan Alaidin Mahmudsyah during the reign of Sultan Nurul Alam (1675 - 1678).

From the various differences in the year it was first established. The Baiturrahman Mosque was burned by the Dutch during the war between the Netherlands and the Kingdom of Aceh in 1873. To quell the anger of the Acehnese people. The governor at that time led by general Van Lansberge promised the people of Aceh to rebuild a new mosque

Finally, the Netherlands fulfilled its promise. And the laying of the first stone to rebuild the Baiturrahman Mosque was carried out in 1879 and completed in 1881 with one dome and one minaret. And declare Aceh and the Netherlands at peace

The people of Aceh had rejected this mosque because it was built by the Dutch because it was considered an enemy. In the end, this mosque became the pride of the Acehnese people. Then the minarets and domes were added in 1936, 1958, 1992. Currently the mosque has 7 domes and 8 minarets.

The function of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

Besides functioning as a place of worship. Baiturrahman Mosque is also used as a place for religious studies, religious discussions, religious celebrations, getting married etc.

During the reign of the Sultan Iskandar Muda, this is the place to teach and spread Islam. Even at that time not only local residents who studied but also from immigrants including Malays, Persians, Arabs, Turks.

During the colonial period, the mosque was also used as a place and headquarters for defense from enemy attacks. Also to hold a meeting to strategize war against the enemy

The architecture is very interesting and magnificent

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque has a beautiful, luxurious, and elegant design style. If you have ever visited this mosque from the courtyard alone, you will be presented with a beautiful and soothing view. What splendors are found in the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, including:

• The best designer from Holland

  The architect who designed the new Baiturrahman Grand Mosque was a Dutch army captain named Gerrit van Bruins.

  To determine the architecture of the mosque, he also consulted with Snouck Hurgronje and the head of the Bandung mosque.

  The hallmark of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is its use of the Mughal architectural style, characterized by its buildings having large minarets and domes, like the Taj Mahal in India.

  Another uniqueness of this mosque is seen in its doors, which are three large doors made of wood and decorated with many ornaments. In addition, the characteristic interior of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is decorated with relief walls and pillars, marble steps and floors from China, and stained glass from Belgium. There is an element of a blend of Arabic, Indian and Spanish

• The more magnificent

  Besides the mosque has a cool architect. The courtyard of the mosque is no less beautiful. The building, which stands on an area of ​​31,000 square meters, with a building area of ​​about 4,000 m², is estimated to be able to accommodate 13,000 worshipers. From the beginning, the mosque had only one dome and one minaret. After undergoing renovation and expansion there are now 7 domes and 8 minarets

Miniature Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

Because it is so beautiful and majestic, the architect of the mosque is made a miniature

The replica of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is located in the world's largest miniature park called Minimundus Park in Klagenfurt, Karintia, Austria. The building on the replica looks very similar to the original. This miniature uses a 1:25 scale

Small version of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

The miniature Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is the name of the mosque built by the Acehnese who live there. It is strategically located at the Simpang Empat South Ringroad Madukismo, precisely in Pluragan Hamlet, Tirtonirmolo Village, Kapanewon Kasihan, Bantul Regency.

This mosque was built as a form of repaying the Acehnese people for the concern of the Governor and the people of Yogyakarta when Aceh was hit by a disaster and Yogyakarta also experienced the same disaster

Giant Umbrella Installation

The construction of the expansion of the mosque and the installation of a giant umbrella was carried out in 2015. The function of a giant umbrella is actually to withstand the hot sun and rain. But on the other hand the giant umbrella adds to the beauty of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.

There are 12 umbrellas that are controlled by computer technology and imported from Germany with the price per umbrella unit reaching 10 billion rupiah or equivalent to 695,862.74 USD. The construction height of one umbrella reaches 20 meters with an umbrella width of 14 meters.

Stay strong during the earthquake and tsunami

Remember the worst disaster in the world, especially Indonesia and Aceh 17 years ago, on December 26, 2004 to be exact. An earthquake measuring 9.8 on the Richter scale was followed by a tsunami that devastated the city of Banda Aceh and several cities in Aceh and it was the biggest disaster in the history of the world. Because this disaster attracted the attention of all countries and flocked to provide assistance to Aceh. Because this disaster claimed 120 thousand victims and this disaster also affected 11 countries

And killed up to 250 thousand people, including Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives, Burma, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, and even Tanzania.

In fact, this mosque is a witness to how it still stands strong from the brunt of the tsunami while the places around the mosque area were washed away by water. As if all piled up in front of the mosque. Garbage and even corpses that were swept away by the tsunami along with other trash such as cars and motorbikes were united in front of the mosque. Everyone at that time ran to save themselves into the mosque building and survivors who were not lucky enough to enter the mosque died

The brunt of the tsunami, which devastated parts of Aceh's coast, occurred in just 30 minutes, with a height of up to 30 meters and a speed of 100 meters per second or 360 kilometers per hour. As a result, more than 120,000 people died in the disaster.

The sad story is that 17 years have passed which the world will never forget, Indonesia especially Aceh. And now everything is beautiful, clean and back up again. Let the dark story be a story for posterity

In memory of the disaster, a tsunami museum was built containing an electronic simulation of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, as well as photos of victims and stories told by survivors. And while on vacation to Banda Aceh, this museum becomes a must-visit place

Becoming one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia

Baiturrahman Mosque has a building in the style of the Ottoman Empire and has a fountain in the front of the mosque. This mosque can accommodate worshipers of up to 30,000 people. This makes the Baiturrahman Mosque one of the grandest and largest mosques in Southeast Asia

Of course this is the pride of the Acehnese people because the Baiturrahman Mosque is an icon of Aceh province

A visit to the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

At the end of December 2021, my family and I visited Banda Aceh for a purpose and had the opportunity to visit the mosque and pray there. And this is the second time I come to this mosque

The first time I came at night and the second time I came during the day and I could clearly see how beautiful this mosque is. The interior, the design is extraordinary, even the bathroom and ablution area are also very beautiful.

Near the bathroom, there is also a place for breastfeeding mothers and can rest there for those who are traveling.

I am very happy, given the opportunity to come back to this mosque. The atmosphere is very cool. Shady and inside the mosque is very majestic. The pillars and walls of the mosque are carved by a very professional hand

If you have the opportunity to come to Aceh and Banda Aceh, please visit our mosque, the people of Aceh. I must really miss coming to this mosque. Because I can't always come here because it will be a 5 - 6 hour journey

The majesty and sturdiness of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is not fiction but real. A mosque for the struggle of the Acehnese fighters, was once burned and rebuilt. Then he became a witness when the great earthquake and tsunami hit Aceh and was felt by 11 countries. We should always be grateful and not arrogant in this life. Because if Allah has willed nothing is impossible

Source Images from serambinews.com, detik.com, kompas.com and private collections

Regards

AYU