Nurul Islam Great Mosque, Historic mosque in Sawahlunto, Indonesia
The Nurul Islam Great Mosque is a prayer hall featuring five domes arranged with one large central dome surrounded by four smaller ones. The building includes a basement area that runs beneath the main prayer chamber.
The building was constructed in 1894 as a steam power station during Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia. It was converted into a mosque in 1952 following the country's independence.
The mosque serves the local Muslim community as a gathering place for prayer and religious events throughout the year. It functions as a social hub where residents gather for celebrations and regular community activities.
The mosque is located near the Sawahlunto Railway Museum and is easily accessible on foot from the city center. Visitors should plan their visit around prayer times when certain areas may have restricted access.
The minaret of the mosque was originally the smokestack of the former steam power plant. This unusual feature shows how the structure retains its industrial past while serving a new religious purpose today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
