Characteristics Of Ancient Mosques Of Islamic Kingdom In Indonesia

Demak Grand Mosque, one of the ancient mosques (commons.wikimedia.org)

YOGYAKARTA The existence of ancient mosques in Indonesia is quite a lot. This can happen because Islam has a considerable influence in Indonesia. In fact, the influence has existed since the royal era. Some ancient mosques in Indonesia still exist and are active today. There are several characteristics of ancient mosques that can be seen, especially in terms of architecture.

The characteristics of ancient mosques in Indonesia are their buildings that combine the archipelago culture with foreign cultures. This combination can be seen from physical buildings, for example seen from the roofs, poles, and so on. The following are some of the characteristics of ancient heritage mosques that can be seen.

The size of an ancient mosque is usually quite large and its location is very easy to reach. This can happen because ancient mosques are usually built by important figures, could be kings, merchants, or a religious leader who spreads Islam.

Another feature that can be seen is having overlapping roofs, namely three to five levels of overlapping roofs and getting smaller in the top layer. Examples of mosques that use this roof model are the Demak Grand Mosque and the Kudus Tower Mosque.

One of the differences between ancient mosques and modern is the existence of a dome. The ancient mosque has no dome. The existence of the dome itself is adapted from a mosque in the Middle East.

In the past, mosques were used as centers for the gathering of Muslims so that they had a large gathering. Serambi is used to chat or hold worship and support other activities.

Many ancient mosques in Indonesia have local ornaments. Ornaments can be in the form of coloring, carvings, or additional accessories in mosques. For example, mosques have certain carvings and colors that become cultural identities. In addition, there are additional accessories such as kentongan that will be sounded when entering prayer time.

Several ancient mosques in Indonesia have pools and are good water. Ponds and water tubs are used as places of worship.

Those are some of the characteristics of an ancient mosque. Visit VOI.id to get other interesting information.