Samarinda Islamic Center Mosque, Grand mosque in Samarinda, Indonesia.
Samarinda Islamic Center Mosque is a large prayer house on the banks of the Mahakam River with a main tower and several additional minarets surrounding the central dome. The complex spreads across multiple levels to provide ample space for visitors and worshippers.
The building was constructed on the site of a former sawmill, and the land was eventually transferred to the East Kalimantan Provincial Government. This transformation shows how an industrial location became a place of worship.
The design brings together Turkish, European, Middle Eastern, and Indonesian building styles in one place. Walking through the spaces, you can see how these different traditions come together in the structure itself.
Visitors should know that the site has several entrances and is accessible from different levels, which helps with getting around. When arriving, it is helpful to check prayer times, since these can affect access to certain areas.
The main building has a staircase with exactly 33 steps, a number connected to prayer beads in Islamic tradition. The central minaret reaches a height that reflects the numerical significance of the 99 names of Allah in Islam.
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