- Address: Masjid Raya, Kp. Baru, Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
- Type of mosque: juma mosque
- Construction: 1879-1881
- Number of domes: 7
- Condition: current
In the center of Banda Aceh in the north-west of Indonesia is the famous Bayturrahman Raya Mosque. It is the face of the city and means a lot to local residents, being a symbol of culture and religion.
Historical facts
Construction of the building began in 1022 by Sultan Iskandar Mudoy Mahkot Alam. For the years of its existence the Bayturrahman Mosque Raya was exposed to fires and destruction, but each time it was restored. In 2004, Aceh was hit by a tsunami, but the mosque survived astonishingly - the only one of all surrounding structures.
Architecture
The Baiturrahman Mosque Raya was not in vain the object of religious tourism. Its building, beautiful and majestic, is located right in the center of Banda Aceh. It has elegant architecture, attractive carvings, a large courtyard with a pond.
The main building of the mosque is white, with a large black dome, surrounded by seven towers. The area in front of it is impressive with its large swimming pool and fountain, and the green grass around slightly resembles the Taj Mahal in India.
Originally, the mosque was designed by the Dutch architect Gerrit Bruins. The project was later adapted by L.P. Lujks, who also supervised the construction works. The chosen design is a style of revival of the Great Moguls, characterized by large domes and minarets. Unique black domes are built of solid wood tiles, combined in the form of tiles.
Interior decoration
The interior is decorated with walls with moldings and columns, a marble staircase and a floor from China, stained glass windows from Belgium, beautiful wooden doors and richly decorated bronze chandeliers. Construction stones were brought from the Netherlands. At the time of completion, this new design was a sharp contrast to the original mosque. Many residents refused to pray there, because the mosque was built by the Dutch "infidels". However, soon Bayturrahman Raya became the pride of Aceh Gang.
Where to get to the mosque?
The Bayturrahman Mosque of Paradise is located in the center of the city, while it is impossible to reach it by public transport . The building is located between the streets of Jalann Perdagangan and Jl. Banda Aceh, next to the Menara mosque Masyid Baturrahman. You can reach the place by taxi, and you do not even need to mention the address to the driver, as the mosque is very popular among tourists.