Beneath Jakarta’s bustling streets lies a sanctuary of peace. It is the An-Nawier Mosque. This mosque stands as a testament to Jakarta’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. An-Nawier Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Jakarta. It is a symbol of Arab civilization in the city.
Let’s step back in time to 1760. Sayid Abdullah bin Huseim Alaydrius from Yemen built this mosque. Some say he was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque has seen many changes over the years. The most significant renovation happened in the 1800s. Commander Dahlan from Banten expanded the mosque in 1850. In 1897, someone donated land to make it even bigger.
An-Nawier Mosque can accommodate 1,000 people. It has a land area of about 2,000 square meters. The building itself covers 1,500 square meters. You can enter the mosque from the north, south, or east. Inside, you’ll find 33 pillars supporting the structure.
Look closely at the pulpit. The Sultan of Pontianak donated it in 1871. It is an important piece of An-Nawier’s history. Also admire the tower. It looks like a lighthouse guiding ships at sea.
An-Nawier Mosque is located in Pekojan, Tambora. This area used to be home to many Arabs from Yemen and India. Today, the Arab presence is less prominent. You can still find traces of their culture in Pekojan.
Jakarta itself has a fascinating story. It was once known as Sunda Kelapa. Later, it became Jayakarta in 1527. The Dutch then renamed it Batavia in 1619. During World War II, the Japanese called it Djakarta. Finally, in 1972, it became Jakarta.
Jakarta is a large city. It is the 13th largest in the world. Its metro area is called Jabodetabek. In 2016, its population was over 10 million people.
Even though Jakarta is modernizing, some Dutch influences remain. You can see Dutch cannons in Jakarta’s old town. These are relics from Indonesia’s colonial past. An-Nawier Mosque stands as a reminder of Jakarta’s diverse past. It is a place where history and faith intertwine. As you leave this serene place, carry with you the stories of An-Nawier Mosque. Remember its role as a symbol of Arab culture and its long history in Jakarta.