Top 10 Incredible Facts about Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque. Photo by Mosquegrapher on Unsplash

Top 10 Incredible Facts about Istiqlal Mosque

The Mosque was raised as a sign of gratitude for God’s help in obtaining Indonesia’s independence, hence its name, Istiqlal, which means “Independence” in Arabic. Istiqlal Mosque of Jakarta is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia both in structure and capacity, as it can accommodate congregations of up to 120,000 people. Most of the Islamic celebrations in Indonesia, such as Ied prayer, are also broadcast from this mosque.

It is located in the city center of Jakarta, Indonesia. It is opposite the National Cathedral, the Mosque is also meant to be a symbol of peace and religious tolerance. Istiqlal Mosque can accommodate 200.000 people.

1. The Building Project Has Meaningful Numbers And Size

The building project has meaningful numbers and sizes, such as 7 gates for the entrance means 7 layers of the sky and 7 days in a week. While the dome has 45 meters in diameter. The number “45” means the freedom year of Indonesia. The main dome is supported by 12 poles. The number “12” represents the born date of The Prophet of Muhammad and also means 12 months in a year.

The 4-story balcony with 1 main floor means the number of 5 which represents 5 pillars of Islam and 5 morals of Pancasila. Last but not least, the two mosque buildings mean a side-by-side dualism that completes each other like the sky and the earth, also like two forms of relationship between humans and God.

The construction of Istiqlal Mosque was purposely built next to Cathedral Church to bring the spirit of fraternity, unity, and tolerance of religion as well written on Pancasila.

2. The designer of this mosque was a non-Moslem, Frederich Silaban, who won the mosque design contest in 1955.

The Mosque was designed in 1955.The architect of the Istiqlal Mosque is Friedrich Silaban. He is the priest’s son and embraces Christianity. Although he is a Christian, he succeeds to win the Istiqlal Mosque’s design competition in 1955 that was held by the first president of Indonesia, Soekarno.

3. It Has Unique Numbers Which Are Very Symbolic

Istiqlal is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Not only that but also the third largest in the world. Istiqlal has 12 pillars that symbolize the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

Moreover, there are 5 floors, symbolizing the pillars of Islam and Pancasila. Also, a large fountain symbolizes “monotheism” built in the southwest. Indeed, the design of Friedrich Silaban is full of philosophy.

4. Istiqlal Means “Independence”

The construction of this mosque was planned after the proclamation was over, thus, the name “Istiqla Istiqlal means “independence”. The word “independence” was given as a symbol of Indonesia’s independence in 1945 after the colonial period. Silaban said that the design originally came from his mind. Then, he put architectural principles that match Indonesia’s tropical climate and Islamic rules. The Istiqlal Mosque stands on an area of ​​9.5 hectares, flanked by two Ciliwung River waterways.

Its location near the Indonesian National Monument symbolizes the role of nationality in this mosque. Based on its history, to sustain the building for a long period, Silaban surveyed Iran, Egypt, and Malaysia to look for inspirational mihrab designs that are proper for the Istiqlal Mosque.

5. It Has A Unique Fusion Of Indonesian, Middle Eastern, And European Architectural Styles

The beauty of the Istiqlal mosque can be seen from the implementation of a fusion of Indonesian, Middle Eastern, and European unique architectural styles. The Indonesian architectural style that adapts to the tropical climate is applied to parts of the mosque that are close to the central government.

Then, in the dome, calligraphy was applied as a result of the appropriation of typical Middle Eastern architecture. Moreover, European-style architecture is seen on the pillars and walls in the corner of the mosque terrace.

6. Its dome is sustained by 12 enormous Pillars

At first, Silaban proposed the dimension of the dome is 45 meters in diameter. At that time, there was no construction of a very large dome, at an altitude of 35 meters from the ground in Indonesia.  As a result, the Istiqlal dome structure uses a polyhedron method with fabrication materials.

 Its dome is sustained by 12 enormous pillars and 5,138 piles; the dome frame uses stainless steel material from West Germany weighing 86 tons. Then, the outside is coated with ceramic and mounted with a star-shaped lightning rod.

7. The Tower Symbolizes The Majesty Of Islam

The tower symbolizes the majesty of Islam where it a height of 6,666 cm which symbolizes the number of verses of the Al-Quran. Also, above the tower, there is 30-meter-high steel that also symbolizes the number of juzuu in the Al-Quran.

8. Though This Mosque Does Not Have An Air Conditioner System, The Air Inside The Mosque Is Still So fresh

Even though this mosque does not have an air conditioner system, the air inside the mosque is so fresh. Silaban made the walls as few as possible so that the wind could easily enter. Therefore, the prayer at the mosque can be intimate with God fervently.

The Istiqlal Mosque surrounded by the river has three large bridges with a width of 18.6 meters and a length of 21-25 meters. Also, there is a small bridge for pedestrians made of stainless steel.

9. There Is A Giant Terrace And Corridor Surrounded By 1800 Pillars

Formerly, the main building is 60 meters long and 100 meters wide facing Makkah or Qiblah. Wherever, this main building serves as an office building, service room, wudhu area, and an extension of the gathering area during the Islamic great day.

The Istiqlal Mosque has a support building; it is used for prayer space. This area is covered by 17,300 marbles and 1899 stakes.

10. The Mosque Can Accommodate More Than 200,000 Worshippers And Serve As A Communal Space

The simplicity of the idea of ​​a Friedrich Silaban who is contextual about the environment managed to apply Islamic rules properly. Now, Istiqlal is the grandest mosque in Southeast Asia and can accommodate 200,000 worshipers and is always crowded on the Islamic great day.

 In addition, its function is not only as a mosque but as a communal space of society and as a witness to the history of architectural developments in Indonesia.