Old Siguntur Mosque

Historical Context and Royal Foundation

The construction of Masjid Tua Siguntur is estimated to have occurred during the reign of Sultan Abdul Jalil Bin Sultan Bagindo Muhammad in the 18th century. However, the historical narrative attached to it is much older. The mosque was founded on land that was once a temple complex or a center for pre-Islamic religious activities. This is evident from the presence of ancient brick ruins around the site and the spatial layout that follows the pattern of old Malay palaces.

Historically, this mosque became a symbol of the Siguntur Kingdom's transformation from Hindu-Buddhist influence towards an Islamic Sultanate. Its strategic location on the banks of the Batang Hari River underscores its important role in trade routes and the spread of religion in the past. The close relationship between the palace (the Royal Family of Siguntur) and the scholars is reflected in the mosque's position adjacent to the royal cemetery complex of the Siguntur kings.

Vernacular Minangkabau Architectural Typology

Unlike modern mosques dominated by concrete domes, Masjid Tua Siguntur retains the original form of West Sumatran vernacular architecture with a strong influence of the tiered roof style. This style is commonly found in ancient mosques in the Nusantara, such as the Great Mosque of Demak, but with specific local touches.

The building structure is square-shaped with a symmetrical floor plan. The roof is a tajug or double-tiered roof made of zinc (replacing ijuk in the past). This roof shape carries the philosophical meaning of "Merapi-Singgalang," symbolizing the balance of nature and divine protection. The apex of the roof is adorned with a distinctive carved mustaka, emphasizing the identity of traditional Islamic architecture.

Structural Innovation and Local Materials

The main uniqueness of Masjid Tua Siguntur lies in its wooden structural system. The building is supported by high-quality teak and ulin wood pillars sourced from the forests of Dharmasraya. The main pillar or soko guru is placed precisely in the center of the prayer hall, serving as the load-bearing point for the roof and symbolizing the vertical axis between the servant and the Creator.

The mosque walls are made of wooden planks arranged vertically and horizontally using the mortise and tenon technique without predominantly using iron nails. This technique provides flexibility to the building in facing earthquake tremors, a local wisdom that has been tested for hundreds of years in the Sumatra arc region. Ventilation is designed through carved gaps in the walls and the lower part of the roof, ensuring cool air circulation even in the generally hot Dharmasraya region.

Ornaments and Symbolic Aesthetics

Although it appears modest from the outside, the interior of Masjid Tua Siguntur holds rich aesthetic details. The carvings on the mimbar (pulpit) and mihrab (prayer niche) showcase the skill of past craftsmen. The carving motifs are dominated by floral patterns, such as tendrils, jasmine flowers, and distilled creeping leaves. In accordance with Islamic teachings, motifs of living creatures (fauna) are avoided and replaced with intricate yet harmonious geometric patterns.

The mosque's mihrab protrudes on the west side, with an arch that is reminiscent of a temple niche, but with a subtle touch of Arabic calligraphy. This visual transition from Hindu-Buddhist architectural elements to Islamic aesthetics is proof of the smooth cultural assimilation process in Siguntur.

Royal Cemetery of Siguntur: Unity of Sacred Space

An inseparable element from the architecture of Masjid Tua Siguntur is the cemetery complex located right next to the building. Here lie the graves of the Sultans of Siguntur and their families. The presence of these graves creates a sacred space that connects the concept of "worldly" (the mosque as a place for social interaction and worship) with the "hereafter" (a reminder of death).

The tombstones found in this complex have high archaeological value, with shapes varying from Aceh-style tombstones to local tombstones with megalithic influences. The placement of graves integrated with the mosque area is a characteristic of Islamic centers of government in the Nusantara, where the king was considered the protector of religion (Zhillullah fil 'Alam).

Cultural and Social Significance

For the people of Dharmasraya, Masjid Tua Siguntur is a collective identity. In the past, this mosque served as the spiritual center of the kingdom's government, a place for customary deliberations, and a center for the dissemination of religious knowledge. To this day, traditions such as "Batagak Gadang" or other customary ceremonies are still often associated with the presence of this mosque.

This mosque also serves as a reminder of the glory of the Batang Hari River as the lifeline of existence. Its architecture, facing or oriented close to the river, indicates that the Siguntur civilization was a water-based civilization that highly valued the river ecosystem.

Visitor Experience and Conservation

Currently, Masjid Tua Siguntur has been designated as a Cultural Heritage Object under the supervision of the Cultural Preservation Center. Visitors will experience a serene and magical atmosphere. The creaking wooden floor underfoot and the aroma of old wood provide a strong sense of nostalgia.

Although it has undergone several renovations, especially to the roof and floor, the core structure of the mosque has been maintained in its original state. The main challenge today is to preserve the wooden materials from decay and termite infestation, and to ensure that infrastructure development around it does not damage the visual integrity of this historical site.

Masjid Tua Siguntur is a visual narrative of how a nation can maintain its roots while embracing change. Through its soaring roof and sturdy wooden pillars, it continues to whisper tales of Dharmasraya's glory, Minangkabau local wisdom, and the light of Islam united in architectural harmony.