Rao Rao Mosque, Mosque in Nagari Rao Rao, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
Rao Rao Mosque is a prayer hall with a four-layered curved roof and corner towers that display Persian architectural elements in its square interior space. The site includes two entrance staircases, traditional ablution pools, and a separate two-story building called Markaz built in 2001.
The building was constructed in 1908 on land donated by H. Mohammad Thaib Caniago, replacing an earlier structure known as Atap Ijuk Mosque. Despite earthquake damage in 1926 and 2009, the structure has endured through major seismic events in the region.
The four main pillars and doors represent the four ethnic groups living in Nagari Rao Rao: Caniago, Bendang Mandailing, Koto Piliang, and Patapang. This design allows visitors to see how the building reflects the community it serves.
Visitors can access the prayer space through two entrance staircases and will find traditional ablution pools for ritual washing near the building. Plan your visit around prayer times and dress respectfully to blend with the community.
Despite earthquake damage in 1926 and 2009, the mosque preserves its original brown floral ceramic tiles imported from the Netherlands. These tiles are a rare example of imported craftsmanship from that era and reveal the community's connections to international trade networks.
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