Aceh Cultural Tourism: Traces Of History And Beauty Of Traditional Art

Illustration. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Aceh, a province located on the western tip of Sumatra Island, Indonesia, is not only known for its stunning natural beauty, but also with its rich rich rich rich culture and history. In addition to its beautiful beaches and amazing mountains, Aceh is a place where you can feel uniqueness and extraordinary cultural richness.

The article quoted from the acehground.comini page will take you on a journey through the charm of Aceh cultural tourism, exploring traces of the history and beauty of traditional art that make this province so special.

As reported from the Aceh News that Aceh has a long and rich history as one of the oldest kingdoms and sultanates in Indonesia. Traces of this history can be seen in various aspects of Aceh culture, from architecture to religious traditions. Here are some historical points that make Aceh so interesting:

The Kingdom Of Aceh

The Aceh kingdom, known as Aceh Darussalam in the 17th century, is one of the oldest Islamic kingdoms in Indonesia. During the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda in the 17th century, this kingdom reached its peak of glory, and Aceh was known as the center of international trade and the center of Islam in the region.

Baiturrahman Mosque

One of the icons of Aceh is the Baiturrahman Mosque, a mosque built in 1879 during the Dutch government. This mosque has a magnificent architecture and has become a symbol of Aceh's resilience in the struggle against colonialism. The Baiturrahman Mosque is also one of the important historical sites in Aceh.

Aceh Rumoh

Rumoh Aceh is a traditional Aceh house that has a distinctive architecture. These houses are usually made of wood with three overlapping roofs. They are a beautiful example of Aceh's rich architectural heritage.

The Young Iskandar Monument

This monument is dedicated to Sultan Iskandar Muda, one of Aceh's greatest rulers. This monument is a historic site located in Banda Aceh and is a good place to understand Aceh's history.

Aceh Traditional Arts And Culture

Apart from a rich history, Aceh is also known for its diverse and interesting traditional arts and culture. Aceh's traditional art includes music, dance, fine arts, and more. Here are some aspects of Acehnese traditional arts and culture that amaze:

Saman Dance

The Saman dance is one of Aceh's most famous traditional dances. This dance is usually performed by a group of youths who sit cross-legged and express religious and cultural messages through rapid hand and body movements. This dance combines physical strength and artistic sensitivity in an amazing performance.

Weaving Art

Aceh is also famous for its beautiful woven art. Aceh Weaving is one of the most complicated and colorful traditional weaving arts in Indonesia. Acehnese women produce beautiful woven fabrics with unique traditional motifs.

Traditional Music

Acehnese traditional music involves various instruments such as drums, rawne kalee (sports), and raapa'i (gong). This music is often used in various traditional ceremonies, including weddings and festivals.

Painting And Ukir Arts

Acehnese traditional art includes the art of ukir and beautiful painting. Acehnese often decorate their traditional homes with complicated wooden carvings, and Acehnese artists are also skilled at painting pictures that tell legends and folklore.

Aceh offers many interesting cultural tourist destinations to visit. Here are some places you should visit if you want to feel the charm of Aceh cultural tourism:

Banda Aceh

The provincial capital is a good place to start your cultural adventure. You can visit the Baiturrahman Mosque, the Iskandar Muda Monument, and the Aceh Museum to get a better understanding of Aceh's history and culture.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)

TMII in Banda Aceh is a great place to see various traditional Indonesian houses and cultures, including the Aceh Formula. This is one of the attractions that must be visited if you want to see various Indonesian cultural heritages in one location.

Aceh Tsunami Museum

This museum does not only contain artifacts and tsunami relics, but also serves as a very informative place about Aceh's history and culture. You can see various exhibitions that explain Aceh's long journey from the past to the present.

Aceh Traditional Village

Some villages in Aceh still maintain their rich traditional traditions. Visiting one of these traditional villages is a unique experience where you can see how Acehnese people keep their cultural heritage alive.

Cultural Festival

Aceh also often holds enchanting cultural festivals, such as the Saman Dance Festival and the Aceh Art Festival. This is a good opportunity to witness Acehnese traditional art performances live.

Apart from art and culture, Aceh's culinary delights also play an important role in the cultural heritage of this province. Acehnese food is famous for its spicy taste and various spices. Some of the traditional Acehnese dishes that you should try are:

Aceh Noodles

This spicy noodle dish is famous for its rich spices and delicious curry sauce. It's the perfect dish for hot food lovers.

Aceh Rendang

Although rendang is more famous as Minangkabau dish, Aceh also has its own delicious rendang version. This meat cooked with coconut milk and spices has a typical taste of Aceh.

Kuah Beulangong

Kuah Beulang is a typical Aceh dish made from beef, vegetables, and spices. It's a warm and delicious dish.

Skin Crackers

Skin crackers are popular snacks in Aceh. These crackers are made of beef skin that is thinly cut and fried to moderate. This is usually served with spicy chili sauce.

Respect Aceh Tradition

When visiting Aceh, it is important to respect local traditions and culture. Some ethics that need to be considered when interacting with the people of Aceh are:

Featuring Politely

Most Acehnese people are Muslims, and dressed politely is important. Women should wear clothes that cover their arms and feet, while men should wear polite clothes.

Request Permission Before Taking Photos

When taking photos in places with cultural or religious values, always ask permission first. Some places may not allow taking photos.

Respect Customary Ceremony

If you have the opportunity to attend traditional ceremonies, make sure to respect them and follow the applicable rules. This includes not disturbing processions or taking photos when not allowed.

Not Drinking Alcohol in Public Places: Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that implements sharia law, which prohibits alcohol consumption in public places.

Aceh is one of the most interesting cultural destinations in Indonesia. With a rich history, stunning traditional art, and delicious culinary arts, this province offers a unique cultural experience for tourists. However, when exploring the cultural heritage of Aceh, it is important to respect local traditions and ethics. Thus, you can feel the charm of Acehnese cultural tourism with great appreciation and wisdom.