Great Mosque of Sumenep, 18th-century mosque in Sumenep, Indonesia
The Great Mosque of Sumenep features a three-tiered roof as its main structure, surrounded by six smaller two-tiered buildings that form the prayer complex. Iron fencing encloses the entire site, which accommodates around 2,000 worshippers during prayer times.
Construction began in 1779 under the 31st adipati of Sumenep, replacing an earlier mosque from 1757. This renewal marked a major shift in the city's religious infrastructure.
The building displays a blend of Chinese, Javanese, and Western architectural elements that reflect the diverse heritage of Madura Island. This architectural mixing is visible in the daily appearance of the structure and makes the site an example of how different cultures shaped the region's history.
The site is enclosed by iron fencing, which means access points are clearly defined for entering the complex. It is worth allowing time to explore the full layout since several connected structures make up the grounds.
Two small pavilions with rounded cupolas at the southeast and northeast corners were once used as prison cells within the grounds. This unexpected use reveals how the site historically served as a center of authority and administration.
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