Yogyakarta's Philosophical Axis: A Dynamic Interplay Among UNESCO's Selection Criteria

Abstract

The philosophical axis of Yogyakarta became the landmark of its urban landscape. The existence of the axis echoed to the surface since its inclusion in UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List. This article seeks to find the background of the philosophical axis establishment from Hamengkubuwono I’s ideas. Furthermore, it attempts to build linkages between three nomination criteria filled by the axis to form the context of the philosophical axis in the presence of the Kingdom. This research uses a qualitative method and a descriptive approach. The data collected by literature study consists of internet articles, books, journals, and primary sources by an interview with Yogyakarta's philosophical axis bodies. It argues that the linkages between three nomination criteria happened from the mixed readings of Hamengkubuwono I combined with his Javanese background. Those versatile sources of readings make the identity of Yogyakarta the Islamic sultanate with a mixture of Islam, Hindu, and Java identities.