Baiturrahman Mosque

The most dominating feature of Banda Aceh is may be its beautiful Mosque, the Mesjid Baiturrahman (The Grand Mosque). It is one of the architectural landmark of Indonesia and dominates the center of the town. The original Mosque was built during region of Sultan Alaidin Mahmudsyah I who ruled between the years 1234 and 1267. It was enlarged by Sultan Iskandar Muda in Beginning of the 17th century. In 1873 the Mosque was destroyed by fire during a Dutch attack. The Dutch general Köhler was killed during this attack and a small monument is just outside the main etrance the Mosque. The Dutch rebuilt the Mosque as a compensation and it was completed in 1881. The Mosque had then one kubah (dome). In 1936 two kubahs and in 1967 it was enlarged once again and now it has total of five kubahs. A few years ago there was enlargement once again. It has today seven kubahs and five minarets on the main building and a new tall minaret standing in front the Mosque . The enlargement was badly needed. Even now afterward, there not enough room inside for all the Friday prayers that find the Baiturrahman Mosque such as serene and special place to pray in. The capacity is 7500 people. The Mosque is richly ornamented with onion-shaped kubahs and has two original minarets. The Mosque is open to visitors except during prayers times. Sloopy and dirty dressing is nor allowed and women have to cover their heads with a shawl. Show respect and get impressed. Report to the guard post. The Minarest has elevator an open to the public between 16.00 and 18.00 WIB (Indonesian times).

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque (Indonesian: Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman) is a large mosque located in the centre of the city of Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia. It is of great symbolic significance to the Acehnese people as a symbol of Acehnese religion and culture, especially since it survived the devastating 2004 tsunami intact.

The mosque was designed by an Italian architect and built by the Dutch colonial administration as a token of reconciliation following their destruction of an older mosque during the Aceh wars. Construction of the mosque commenced in 1879 and was completed in 1881. The mosque survived the massive 2004 tsunami which destroyed much of the rest of the city of Banda Aceh.

The design of the mosque combines colonial and Moghul Indian influences. Its design is not dissimilar to the Mesjid Raya Tuban in East Java. The mosque combines few traditionally Acehenese features though it has come to represent the city of Banda Aceh and the cultural uniqueness of the Acehenese.

The Mosque has seven domes, four tower with one main tower. It has a wide 4.760 square meter Italian marble floor. The Mosque can accomodate up to 9000 people.

Attractions Feature Historic sites Baiturrahman, Islam, Mesjid, Mosque