Jejak Islam Masjid Jami' Taluak Bukittinggi

Summary

The Talua Jami Mosque, one of Indonesia's oldest mosques, stands as a symbol of Islamic glory in the Minangkabau community. Founded in 1860 in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, the mosque blends Minangkabau traditions with Islamic teachings. Its architecture reflects local culture, with elements like a three-tiered roof representing society, leadership, and clerical authority. Despite damage from past earthquakes, the mosque remains a vital spiritual and cultural hub. Unique features, including a pond where visitors feed fish to support the mosque, further highlight its deep connection with the community's heritage and practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Talua Jami Mosque, located in Nagari Taluak Ampek, Banu, Agam Regency, is one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia, founded in 1860.
• 😀 The mosque is a symbol of the deep-rooted glory of Islam in the Minangkabau community and reflects the cultural harmony between Islam and Minangkabau traditions.
• 😀 The mosque was originally made of wood with a palm fiber roof, supported by five large pillars symbolizing the five pillars of Islam.
• 😀 The roof of the mosque has a three-tiered terraced structure, common in old mosques, designed to handle tropical climates with a sharp slope for efficient rainwater drainage.
• 😀 The mihrab of the mosque is a significant feature, renovated from wood and influenced by Minangkabau culture during the Dutch East Indies period.
• 😀 Architectural elements in the mosque, like natural motifs and symbolic roof divisions, convey philosophical meanings relating to society, leadership, and intellectualism.
• 😀 The mosque underwent renovations after being damaged in a past earthquake, maintaining its historical and archaeological value while restoring the structure.
• 😀 A unique feature of the mosque is its pond, which was originally a small canyon dammed to create the pond. Visitors can feed fish in the pond.
• 😀 Fish harvested from the pond are sold at the traditional market, and the proceeds contribute to the mosque's construction fund.
• 😀 The mosque is especially popular during Ramadan when locals visit for prayers and community activities, including feeding the fish and enjoying the mosque's peaceful atmosphere.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Taluak Jami Mosque in West Sumatra?

The Taluak Jami Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia, symbolizing the deep-rooted glory of Islam in the Minangkabau community. It has been standing since 1860 and is a key representation of Islamic culture and tradition in the region.

Who founded the Taluak Jami Mosque and where is his grave located?

The Taluak Jami Mosque was founded by Abdul Majid, whose grave is located behind the mosque.

What architectural style is the Taluak Jami Mosque based on?

The mosque features a traditional architecture style common in old mosques in the archipelago, with a three-tiered roof structure designed for tropical climates. The roof's sharp slope and concave surface help with efficient rainwater drainage.

How does the mosque’s roof structure reflect local culture?

The three-tiered roof symbolizes society, leadership, and intellectualism. The structure represents the people, the leader, and the cleric, aligning with the Minangkabau philosophy that emphasizes unity and protection by the elderly and religious leaders.

What is the historical significance of the mihrab in the mosque?

The mihrab is a key feature of the mosque and has been preserved as one of the most enduring elements. Its unique shape was influenced by Minangkabau culture during the Dutch East Indies period.

What material was used for the floor of the mosque, and why was it replaced?

Originally, the floor was made of wood, but over time, it became unsuitable due to age. As a result, the mosque management and local community replaced it with new materials to maintain the mosque's functionality and heritage.

How did the Taluak Jami Mosque fare after the earthquake that struck West Sumatra?

Although the mosque was damaged by the earthquake, it was renovated with great care to preserve its archaeological value. The tower in front of the mosque was demolished due to damage caused by the earthquake.

What role does the fish pond play in the mosque's community and culture?

The fish pond is a unique feature of the mosque, where visitors can feed the fish. The fish are sold on the mosque's terrace, and the proceeds are used to fund mosque-related activities, including its maintenance and construction.

How does the Taluak Jami Mosque engage the community during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, the mosque is often visited by residents for morning prayers. Visitors enjoy the spiritual experience while also engaging in the unique activity of feeding the fish, combining religious devotion with local traditions.

What is the cultural significance of the Beduk in the mosque?

The Beduk, housed in a gazebo next to the mosque, is an iconic symbol of Minangkabau culture. It resembles a rice barn, or rangkiang, used by the community to store harvests, symbolizing unity and strength.