Masjid Raya Baiturrahman — Attraction in Banda Aceh

If there is a place that you must visit when you visit Banda Aceh, it is the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque. This is a historical site that has existed since the glorious era of the Aceh Sultanate and has survived to this day. This mosque has gone through various things, starting from the burning tragedy by the Dutch colonial in 1873 to the tsunami hit in late 2004.

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque was first built in the era of the Aceh Sultanate. The roof of the mosque was made in accordance with the characteristics of mosques in Indonesia at that time, a four-tiered pyramid roof.

There are two historical versions of the history of the construction of this mosque. Some sources say this mosque was founded in 1292 AD by Sultan Alauddin Johan Mahmudsyah. Meanwhile, another source said the mosque was founded by Sultan Iskandar Muda in 1612 AD

In its journey, this mosque was burned down by the Dutch during an attack on Koetaradja (Banda Aceh) on April 10, 1873. The collapse of the mosque building triggered an outbreak of resistance from the Acehnese people. They struggle to defend the mosque until the blood is gone. During the battle, the Dutch lost their commander, Major General Johan Harmen Rudolf Köhler on April 14, 1873.

The mosque building was rebuilt by the Dutch at the behest of General Van Der Heijden. The rebuilding of the mosque was part of an effort to ease the resistance of the Acehnese towards the Dutch occupation. The process of rebuilding Majid Raya Baiturrahman took place in 1879-1881 AD The new building architecture was created by de Bruchi who adapted the Moghul...

Masjid Raya Baiturrahman

The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh is one of Indonesia's proud cultural and historical icons. Built in 1879 by Sultan Iskandar Muda, this mosque is a symbol of the strength and beauty of Aceh's architecture. The first unique thing that stands out about the Baiturrahman Mosque is the majestic and sturdy shape of its domes and minarets.

Not only that, various carvings and decorative details with floral motifs and beautifully carved Arabic calligraphy decorate the walls of this mosque. The architectural beauty of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is also reflected in the arrangement of windows made of stained glass with typical Acehnese motifs. Every corner of this mosque exudes the splendor and beauty of local carvings.

This mosque also has a deep history as a place of worship and peace for the people of Aceh. In the past, the Baiturrahman Mosque witnessed the struggle of the Acehnese people to defend their religion and culture from various threats. Its existence is the center of religious activities and Islamic education in Aceh.

The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque also has a beautiful garden around it, which makes this mosque even more beautiful to look at. The garden surrounded by shady trees provides a calm and peaceful atmosphere for visitors who come to worship or simply enjoy the beauty of the mosque's architecture. The existence of this mosque is also a religious tourist attraction for people from...

The Grand Baiturrahman Mosque IS Banda Aceh. It is the main landmark of the city. History says that it began as a humble small mosque in the olden city of Banda Aceh which grew over the years into the massive and beautiful landmark that it is today. You can tell from the interior that the classic design of the mosque was not thrown away but rather built on top of, refurbished and also complimented by the newer structures which are more influenced towards Arabian architecture to be specific, the Prophet's Mosque in Madina, Saudi Arabia.

A survivor of the devastating tsunami in 2004. The mosque holds the history as one the saviours of the Aceh people during the tsunami, becoming and evacuation point where people could climb up to while rapid tsunami waters flowed through it. You could watch the horrifying videos on Youtube.

Recently the mosque has received upgrades where it has giant mechanical shades that open depending on the climate and weather at the time. An homage to the giant shades in Madina Saudi (And some say a donation from Saudi)

In conclusion: A must go to place if you visit Banda Aceh. Muslim &...