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Home » Indonesia » Tourist Attractions in Jakarta » Istiqlal Mosque |
| Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta |
Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta is one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Jakarta. Among the other notable places of interest one can visit various museums, monuments, parks and squares. The Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta is the largest and the most significant mosque in the south-eastern part of Asia.
It is considered to be the national mosque which was built in 1975. The impressive exterior of the mosque is well-complemented by lavish interiors. The main prayer hall resembles the shape of a rectangle. The diameter of the dome above this hall measures 45 meters. This circular dome is held up by twelve spherical columns. The prayer hall area features rectangular platforms bearing four tiers of balcony.
The staircases built at the corners of the mosque lead to every floor. One can arrive at the main prayer hall by passing through an entranceway. The diameter of the dome on top of this entrance is 10 meters.
The complex of the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta features a sprawling courtyard. Various social and cultural activities, exhibitions, programmes for the kids, young people and ladies, and other official proceedings are held in here. There are also facilities to organize symposiums, seminars, meetings, and lectures within the mosque.
The main hall in the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta can accommodate more 1,20,000 worshippers at a time. The structure reflects exquisite art artistic style and architecture of the Islamic community. The structure of the mosque was designed and conceptualized by the renowned Indonesian architect – Mr. Frederick Silaban. Marble is used extensively on the walls, stairs and floors in the mosque. This marble was brought in from Tulungagung in the eastern part of Java.
On the other side of the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, there is a tall minaret beneath which a drum can be noticed. This drum was made in Borneo and it is used here during the prayers on every Friday.
Worshippers and tourists are recommended to dress in a decent manner during their visit to this popular mosque. One must take off shoes before stepping in the mosque. Ladies are supposed to put on a head scarf. There is space to fit in about eight-hundred cars in the parking area within the complex of the mosque.
The mosque features a strategic location. The chief entrance is near to the Gereja Kathedral. So tourists visiting this mosque can also drop in at the cathedral.
Online information on Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta is available at travel.mapsofworld.
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