Masjid Baiturrahman, Banda Acheh - Indonesia

Masjid Baitulrahman
Banda Acheh
Indonesia

Masjid Raya Baiturrahman is a large mosque located in the center of the city of Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia. It is of great symbolic significance to the Acehnese people as a symbol of Acehnese religion and culture, especially since it survived the devastating 2004 tsunami intact.

This magnificent mosque was designed by an Italian architect and built by the Dutch colonial administration as a token of reconciliation following their destruction of an older mosque during the Aceh wars. Construction of the mosque commenced in 1879 and was completed in 1881. The mosque survived the massive 2004 tsunami which destroyed much of the rest of the city of Banda Aceh.

The design of the mosque combines colonial and Turkey influences. The mosque combines few traditionally Acehnese features though it has come to represent the city of Banda Aceh and the cultural uniqueness of the Acehnese.