Doesn’t the name Masjid Ittihadul Muslimin resonate with unity? This mosque stands in North Jakarta. It embodies the spirit of Indonesian mosque architecture.
The Masjid Ittihadul Muslimin, though without reviews, has a story. Its address is Jl. Lodan Raya No.4, RT.5/RW.8, Ancol. It sits in Kec. Pademangan, Jkt Utara. The Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta postal code is 14430, Indonesia.
Imagine early mosques in Indonesia. They blended local styles with Hindu and Buddhist elements. Domes and minarets were not always present. The Masjid Ittihadul Muslimin echoes this evolution.
Islam arrived gradually in Indonesia. It spread from the 12th century onward. Existing architectural forms were reinterpreted. They suited Muslim requirements.
Early mosques favored open spaces. Permanent structures were not always a priority. Java holds most of the early mosques. Their style follows Javanese building traditions. Multi-tiered roofs are common. Ceremonial gateways are another feature. Four central posts support soaring pyramidal roofs. Decorative clay finials adorn roof peaks.
Minarets were not always integral. The Menara Kudus Mosque uses a Javanese Hindu brick temple style tower. This tower serves as a place for the bedug. The bedug is a huge drum. It summons people to prayer.
Mosque establishment began with land. The first construction used bamboo and thatched roofs. Over time mosques became permanent. They expanded to accommodate growing populations.
Domes and pointed arches arrived later. They came with Dutch influence in the 19th century. Indonesian scholars became familiar with Near Eastern styles. They visited Islamic centers in Egypt and India.
Domes in Indonesia mimic Indian and Persian onion shapes. They appeared first in Sumatra. Java was slower to adopt domes.
After Indonesia’s independence, renovations occurred. Small domes were added to older mosques with square hipped roofs. The Masjid Ittihadul Muslimin could have undergone such changes.
Since the 1970s, traditional buildings gained political recognition. Some layered hipped forms were reinstated. President Suharto supported mosque construction in less prosperous communities.
Today, mosque architecture breaks from Javanese traditions. Many mosques follow Near Eastern styles.
The earliest mosques in Java date back to the mid-15th century. They typically include multi-tiered roofs. A serambi is a roofed porch attached to the front. The top of the roof boasts a clay decoration. This is called the mustoko or memolo.
Inside, a mihrab faces the qibla wall. A wooden minbar stands nearby. Enclosure walls are low. They are decorated with inset bowls and plates. A monumental gate marks the east side.
Sumatran mosques share attributes with Javanese ones. Some feature the Minangkabau horned roof profile.
Kalimantan’s Banjarese mosques have steep roofs. They lack the serambi. Sulawesi mosques follow Javanese styles with multi-tiered roofs.
The Sultan’s Mosque of Ternate imitates features of older Javanese mosques.
As we stand before the Masjid Ittihadul Muslimin, we see a blend of history. We recognize cultural adaptation. This mosque is more than a building. It is a testament to faith. It is a symbol of unity in Jakarta.