Kauman Great Mosque, Royal mosque in central Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Kauman Great Mosque is a house of worship in Yogyakarta built with a three-tiered pyramidal roof topped with metal ornaments, supported by thick pillars inside a walled compound. The prayer hall features whitewashed walls and can accommodate many worshippers in an open layout without internal divisions.
Sultan Hamengkubuwono I commissioned the mosque between 1773 and 1775, working with religious guide Kyai Faqih Ibrahim Diponingrat and master builder Kyai Wiryokusumo. A wooden gateway was added in the 19th century to complete the compound's entrance.
The name Kauman refers to the Islamic scholars' settlement that developed in this neighborhood centuries ago. Four times yearly, the royal family joins community members for special prayers accompanied by gamelan music, a tradition that shows the deep connection between faith and Javanese arts.
You can enter from the east or north gates, both at ground level, making access straightforward for most visitors. Women's prayer areas are located on an upper level, while a separate entrance on the side serves members of the royal family.
Forty-eight columns support the prayer hall's roof across its length, creating an open interior free of walls. The number and arrangement of these pillars reflect careful planning rooted in both practical needs and spiritual geometry.
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