- Address: Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Medan Kota, Mesjid, Medan, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20212, Indonesia
- Phone: +62 823-1207-2150
- Area: 18000 square meters. m
In the north, Fr. Sumatra , in the center of Medan is one of the most beautiful of its attractions - the Great Mosque. And since in this area the main religion is Islam, the Masjid Raya Al-Mashun is the main religious shrine. It began to be respected even more after the mosque survived during the terrible tsunami that hit the city in 2004.
The history of the Great Mosque of Medan
The building of the mosque was laid in 1906 and was built according to the project of the Dutch architect Van Erp, and the construction of the sultan Makmun al Rashid ordered. The work lasted three years and in 1909 the building of the mosque was built. The construction costs were divided between the Sultan and the then-famous Indonesian Chinese, Tjong A Phi. To decorate the mosque was used marble, brought from China, Germany, Italy. Stained-glass windows for chandeliers were bought in France.
What is interesting about the mosque?
The architecture of the Great Mosque is a combination of several styles: Moroccan, Malay, Middle Eastern and European. The building has its own characteristics:
- on an area of 18 000 square meters. m is a prayer hall and rooms for ablution;
- octagonal form, different from typical structures of that time, having only 4 corners;
- 4 entrances with huge vaulted porches, crowned with domes of black color, the same dome and above the main building of the mosque;
- 4 stairs lead to the entrances, and the prayer hall, located inside, is on a raised platform;
- the main dome of the mosque is supported by 8 columns;
- a niche in the wall, called mihrab, is decorated with marble, and the minaret is made in a mixture of Arabic, Iranian and Egyptian styles;
- The walls, ceiling, arches and columns of the mosque are decorated with floral and floral ornaments.
Especially a lot of believers come to the mosque in the holy for all Moslems holiday of Ramadan. It was estimated that about 1,500 people could fit inside the building. At the entrance to the mosque, certain rules must be observed: a woman should cover her head and completely cover her legs, and men should not appear in shorts. Shoes at the entrance to the shrine must be removed. The interior is conditionally divided into the male half and the female one.
How to get to the mosque?
If you decide to visit the Great Mosque, then you know: you can get to Medan from many cities of southeast Asia by plane. From the airport to the city center, where this Muslim symbol is located, you can take a taxi or a bus, spending 40-45 minutes on the road.