A Brief History of Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta

Masjid Istiqlal is a prominent mosque located in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and one of the most famous landmarks of the city. The mosque was built to commemorate Indonesia's independence from the Dutch in 1949, and it has a fascinating history that reflects the country's struggle for independence.

The idea of building a national mosque was first proposed by the first president of Indonesia, Soekarno, in 1954. The purpose of the mosque was to serve as a symbol of the country's unity and independence, as well as to provide a place of worship for Muslims from all over Indonesia. Soekarno commissioned Frederich Silaban, a Christian architect from North Sumatra, to design the mosque, which was to be built on the site of the former Koningsplein, the main square during the Dutch colonial era.

Construction of the mosque began in 1961, and it took almost 17 years to complete. The mosque was officially inaugurated by Soeharto, Soekarno's successor, on February 22, 1978. The mosque was named "Istiqlal," which means "independence" in Arabic, to reflect the spirit of Indonesia's struggle for freedom.

The mosque's design is a fusion of Islamic and modernist architectural styles. The dome, which is the largest in Southeast Asia, is supported by four pillars that represent the four main islands of Indonesia: Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. The main prayer hall can accommodate up to 120,000 worshippers at once, and there are several smaller prayer halls and rooms for religious education and meetings.

Today, Masjid Istiqlal is a symbol of Indonesia's religious and cultural diversity, as well as its struggle for independence. The mosque serves as a place of worship for Muslims from all over the country, and it is also a popular tourist destination for visitors to Jakarta. Its unique architecture and rich history continue to attract visitors from all over the world.

A Brief History of Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta A Brief History of Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta Reviewed by Gosip Dunia on April 22, 2023 Rating: 5
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