“Built by Prince Ahmad Jayakarta.” These words echo as we stand before Masjid Jami Assyura. This sacred space has a rich history. It began as a place of resistance and faith.
Masjid Jami Assyura started in 1620. Prince Jayakarta founded it. He sought to rally fighters and scholars. Their goal was to oppose Dutch rule. They also aimed to spread Islam. This was in the Sunda Kelapa region.
Let me tell you about Prince Jayakarta’s escape. In 1619, he battled Dutch forces. They were led by Governor-General Jaan Pieter Zoon Coen. The Prince’s troops were surrounded in Mangga Dua. To escape, he threw his robe into an old well. The Dutch thought he was dead. They filled the well.
Prince Jayakarta fled east. He arrived in a dense teak forest. This area is now known as Jatinegara. There, across the Sunter River, he built this very mosque. It became a symbol of defiance.
The mosque has been renovated many times. Prince Sugeri first renovated it in 1700. He was the son of Sultan Fatah of Banten. He joined Prince Jayakarta after a dispute with his brother. His brother, Sultan Haji, was appointed by the Dutch.
The local government now protects Masjid Jami Assyura. They oversee its maintenance and repairs. This includes the tomb of Prince Jayakarta. He is buried next to the mosque he founded. His children, grandchildren, and Prince Sugeri are also buried here. Only descendants can be buried in the mosque’s back yard.
The mosque once held sacred objects. There was a rosary with VOC coins. Also, there was a gobang sword. It warned of danger. Sadly, both items are now lost.
However, some original features remain inside Masjid Jami Assyura. The four pillars supporting the upper tower are original. They are made of teak wood. The tower has unique carvings. These Arabic inscriptions resemble a honeycomb. Both features have been preserved.
Masjid Jami Assyura stands as a reminder. It embodies Prince Jayakarta’s fight for freedom. It also shows the enduring power of faith. Take a moment to appreciate its history. Consider its role in shaping Jakarta’s past. It is a testament to resilience and devotion.