Studying the Al Mahdi Mosque

Abstract

central Java are different from other mosques. For example, this mosque was built in a style that resembles a temple. The temple-like style originates from Budi Suroso (Kwee Giok Yong), otherwise known as Mahdi, who is the head of the mosque’s Takmir, who is of Chinese descent. Based on our research, 13 signs represent Chinese culture and philosophy found in the buildings and they are classified into three groups: first, there are four icons containing the mosque’s tera lanterns, the mosque’s poles, the mosque’s roof shapes, and the mosque’s minarets. Second, there are six symbols, namely, red on the body of the mosque’s poles, green on the edges of the pillars and roof in the mosque, gold/yellow color on the mosque calligraphy, and white on the walls and roof of the mosque, unlimited ornaments on the walls of the mosque, and carvings on the windows. Third, there are three indexes which include the square pagoda of the eight mosques, the mosque’s nameplate in four languages, and the writings of Al-Maul Husna on the lanterns at the front of the mosque.
 Keywords: design the mosque, building, culture, acculturation