Baiturahman Mosque

Baiturahman Mosque

Baiturrahman Mosque is the symbol of religious life, bravery, and nationalism of Aceh people. Built on the tenure of Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607 – 1636 A.D.), the mosque was functioned as a center for religious education in Nusantara (Malay Archipelago). Many Islamic scholars and students from other countries like Arab, Turkey, India, and Persia came to gain Islamic religious education there.

The mosque is a silent witness of Aceh people’s struggle in defending Aceh from the Dutch’s occupation during 1873 to 1904 A.D. It has ever been ever ruined after being burned by the Dutch in 1873 A.D. Kohler was dead for being struck by Aceh people in the area Baiturrahman Mosque. Remembering such tragedy, a monument was built in the front-left side of the mosque under a ketapang tree. For an effort to quiet the anger of Aceh people as the mosque had been destroyed, the Dutch – by the command of Governor General Van Lansnerge – rebuilt the mosque by 1879 A.D. Up to now, the mosque has ever been refurbished for fifth times during 1879 – 1993 A.D.

The last terrible historical momment of the mosque was the tragedy of tsunami on December 24th 2004 when the fast water’s stream of tsunami was almost flooding the ground floor of the mosque. Once, the mosque becomes a silent witness for people being safe from tsunami at the time. Many people died at the tragedy were laid down inside the mosque before they were identified. Baiturrahman Mosque is one of the most grandiose mosques in the South East Asia. Situating at 4 ha area with unique architecture are some distinctions differentiate the mosque from the others. Moreover, it has seven domes, four minarets, and a main minaret. The floor of the mosque uses Italian marbles with approximately 4.760 meters square in width. The capacity of the mosque is around 9.000 people.

Baiturahman Mosque Location

Baiturrahman Mosque is located in the heart of Banda Aceh City next to the traditional market of Aceh, Nangroe Aceh Darussalam Province, Indonesia. Situating in the center of Banda Aceh City, it can make you easier for accessing the location either by taking private transports or public transports. It is easy to find either stars hotels or middle-class hotels around the location remembering its location in the heart of Banda Aceh City.