Masjid Demak, Indonesia

Masjid Agung Demak (or the Great Demak Mosque) is one of the oldest mosquea in Indonesia, located inthe center town of Demak, Central Java Indonesia. The mosque isbelieved to be built by Sunan Kalijaga, one of the Wali Songo (nine Muslim saints) during the first Demak Sultanate.

THE SPATIAL CHARACTERISTIC MOSQUE IN INDONESIA

   

     The master column (saka guru) of the mosque usually four, but sometimes six and occasionally only one (saka tunggal) set up a powerful vertical axiality which is in counterpoint to the direction of approach and the orientation of the qibla as the people gather for prayer. The vertical focus of these soaring interiors is reflected and reinforced by concentric ranks of columns which provides structural support to the lower roofs. On the exterior, the upward sweep of the roofs terminates in an elaborates finial (melolo or mustaka) in place of the Hindu symbol of the flaming jewel at the summit of the cosmic tree( brahmamula). 

      The front wall of the mosque is inset with sixty-six porcelain tiles. These exquisite blue and white tiles are believed to derive from Champa in modern-day Vietnam, a kingdom with which Demak's former rival Majapahit had extensive trade contacts. The main entrance of Masjid Agung Demak consists of two doors carved with motifs of plants, vases, and crowns.

Mosque Features

  Masjid Agung Demak is the classic example of a traditional Javanese mosque. Unlike mosques in the Middle East it is built from timber. The tiered roof is supported by four enormous teak pillars. This means that the mosque is rather small when compared to many modern Indonesian mosques. The tiered roof shows many similarities with wooden religious structures from the Hindu-Buddhist civilizations of Java and Bali.