The Great Mosque Kotagede Yogyakarta

A. Overview

Kotagede is one of the old city of Yogyakarta. Many historical relics can be found there, one of which is Kotagede Great Mosque, the oldest Islamic place of worship in Yogyakarta. Kotagede Mosque was built in the era of the kingdom of Mataram in 1640 by Sultan Agung together with local people who are generally in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Entering the Mosque of the page there is an old banyan tree that has reached hundreds of years old. Old banyan or "Wringin Sepuh" is considered the local community as the bearer of blessing tree. One's desire, according to the story, will be met if not imprisoned under the tree to get two leaves fall, one face down and one more outstretched. In the vicinity of this banyan tree there is a ditch that surrounds the mosque. In the past, the trench is used as a place of ablution, but now used as a pond.

The mosque which has hundreds of years old has an inscription that says that the mosque was built in two stages. The first stage which was built during Sultan Agung only form the core of building a small mosque so that when it is called broken. The second phase of the mosque was built by King Kasunanan Surakarta, Pakubuwono X. The difference of the mosque built by Sultan Agung and Pakubowono X is on its pillar. Section noble Sultan built wooden poles while the poles are built Pakubowono made of iron.

B. Feature

The mosque which has hundreds of years old He still looks alive. Residents still use it as a place to carry out religious activities. The building of this mosque is a form of tolerance Sultan Agung on the residents who helped build the mosque that is still embraced Hinduism and Buddhism. This is evidence that the attitude of tolerance has been established since long in this country. Typical of Hindu and Buddhist influence is still evident as the building of this mosque-shaped gate paduraksa.

The mosque is the main building is a building shaped Limasan Java, character can be seen in pyramid-shaped roof and the room is divided into two, namely the core and the porch. Another feature of this mosque was held on the outside, that there is a long Bedug. Bedug old age is not defeated by the Mosque. First drum was a gift from Nyai Pringgit hitherto still sound as a marker of time praying.

A pulpit to preach that is made of beautifully carved wood materials can be found on the inside of the mosque. The chancel was a gift from the Sultan of Palembang to the Sultan Agung, but the original pulpit is not used anymore. Meanwhile, if you walk in the courtyard, will be found a difference in building the wall around the mosque. The wall section consists of brick left a larger size with deep red color, and there are stones like marble surface is written in Java script. While another wall has a brick-colored slightly younger, smaller size, and plain. The wall that is on the left the mosque that was built during Sultan Agung, while another wall is the result of renovation Pakubowono X. The wall that was built during Sultan Agung adhesive palm water that can help so much stronger.

C. Location

Kotagede Great Mosque is located at Jalan Watu Gilang, Kotagede, Yogyakarta

D. Access

Great Mosque Kotagede is not too far from Kotagede Market. You can use a private vehicle or public transportation. To achieve this the Great Mosque Kotagede you just need a little patience when passing through the street in front of Kotagede Market which is always crowded and jammed. From Market Kotagede you can go directly to the west of Market street, after which it continued to follow the Way Watu Gilang southwards to find a nameplate Kotagede Great Mosque and Tomb of King of Mataram Kotagede.

E. Ticket Prices

To be able to visit the Great Mosque Kotagede as the Oldest Mosque in Yogyakarta is you do not charge anything. For visitors who are Muslim, you can lead a prayer in this mosque and can trace the history of the kingdom of Mataram. If you'd like to know a lot about the Great Mosque Kotagede, you can go to the secretariat office.

F. Accommodation and Other Facilities

Besides can see the majesty of the oldest mosque in Yogyakarta, also bushwalking long history of the Mataram kingdom in Kotagede while enjoying the atmosphere. In the area of ​​the Great Mosque Kotagede have ample parking areas, parking rates charged to USD 1000.00 to USD 2000.00 for motorcycles and cars.

In addition to the parking area, this place also there are some stalls that sell the needs of tourists. A pavilion is also located on the front page of the mosque and Tomb of the Kings of Mataram. Not far away there are also a lot Kotagede Market sells food or drink, so after a pilgrimage to stop at this Kotagede Market.


Text: Eko Wahyu
Photo: Collection Jogjatrip.com
(Primary data and various sources)