Old Katangka Mosque

Origins and Historical Foundation

Masjid Tua Katangka was founded in 1603, a significant marker in the chronicle of Nusantara's history. Its construction occurred during the reign of the 14th King of Gowa, Sultan Alauddin, and the 7th King of Tallo, Sultan Abdullah Awwalul Islam. The name "Katangka" itself is derived from the katangka tree (Pistacia lentiscus) which used to grow abundantly in the area. According to local oral tradition, wood from this tree was used as the primary material for the initial construction of the mosque.

The mosque's location is very strategic as it is within the defense fort and close to the royal cemetery complex of Gowa. This confirms that from the beginning, the mosque served as a religious and political center of gravity for the Gowa Sultanate. Its existence marked a major transition for the Makassar people from ancestral beliefs towards Islamic monotheism, following the arrival of three great scholars from Minangkabau: Dato’ ri Bandang, Dato’ ri Pattimang, and Dato’ ri Tiro.

Architecture: Harmony of Four Cultures

Visually, Masjid Tua Katangka presents a very specific architectural richness. This building is a synthesis of four cultural influences: local Makassar, Javanese, Arab, and European (especially Dutch and Portuguese).

The main structure of the mosque has very thick walls, reaching 120 centimeters. This thickness is not without reason; besides supporting the heavy roof load, the walls served as defensive fortifications during armed conflicts. The building materials consist of bricks bonded with a mixture of egg whites, sand, and lime—an ancient construction technique that has proven to be very durable.

The mosque's roof is a double-tiered structure, reminiscent of the architecture of ancient mosques in Java (like Demak), but with a local touch. At the apex of the roof is a distinctive "Mustaka" ornament. European influence is visible in the shape of the wide windows and doors with arches at the top, similar to the Indische style. Meanwhile, Arab influence is strongly reflected in the calligraphy adorning the pulpit and interior walls.

Interior Details and Iconic Pulpit

One of the most valuable historical artifacts within this mosque is its pulpit. The pulpit of Masjid Katangka is made of finely carved teak wood. Its uniqueness lies in the small roof above the pulpit resembling a dome or crown, and the steps flanked by dragon or vine carvings, often interpreted as Chinese or pre-Islamic cultural influences.

Inside the main hall, there are six supporting pillars symbolizing the Pillars of Faith. These pillars are round and large, giving an impression of sturdiness and grandeur. In the mihrab (imam's niche), there is an ancient inscription carved into the wall, providing information about renovations that have been carried out, including the mention of years in the Hijri calendar.

Role of Figures and Significance of Events

This mosque is closely linked with great figures of Nusantara. Sultan Alauddin, the first king of Gowa to embrace Islam, made this mosque a place for religious learning for nobles and the public. Furthermore, national hero Sultan Hasanuddin, known as the "Rooster of the East," also performed his prayers here before going to the battlefield against the VOC.

During the colonial era, Masjid Katangka was not just a place for prayer, but also a consolidation base for fighters. Its proximity to the tomb of Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari (a scholar and transcontinental fighter) adds to the religious and historical weight of the area. The area around the mosque became the final resting place for the rulers of Gowa, making this complex a "memory center" for the identity of the Makassar people.

Restoration and Preservation

Throughout its four centuries of existence, Masjid Tua Katangka has undergone several renovations. Historical records show restorations were carried out during the reign of Sultan Mahmud (1818), then by the 32nd King of Gowa, Andi Idjo Daeng Mattawang Karaeng Lalolang in 1963.

Currently, Masjid Tua Katangka is designated as a national Cultural Heritage Site under the protection of the Cultural Preservation Center. Although improvements have been made to the flooring and painting, the relevant authorities have maintained the authenticity of the main structure. Current preservation challenges include protecting the original wooden materials that are aging and managing drainage around the site to prevent excessive moisture on the thick ancient walls.

Cultural and Religious Relations Today

To this day, Masjid Tua Katangka remains actively functioning as a congregational mosque. Every Friday, the mosque is filled with worshippers who wish to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the past. On major Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr or the Prophet's Birthday, the mosque becomes a center for celebrations that combine religious rituals with local customs.

Another unique feature is the presence of an old well next to the mosque. The water from this well is considered blessed by some of the community, a form of local belief that persists amidst modernity. Visitors come not only from South Sulawesi but also researchers and international tourists who want to learn about the history of Islam's spread in the eastern part of Indonesia.

Conclusion: A Timeless Heritage

Masjid Tua Katangka is tangible proof that Islam entered South Sulawesi through peaceful and cultural means. It stands as a symbol of the steadfast faith of the Gowa people as well as their openness to external influences. With its thick walls and magnificent pulpit, Katangka continues to whisper tales of past glory to present generations, reminding us that a nation's identity cannot be separated from its spiritual roots and history. As a Historical Site, Masjid Katangka is not just a relic of the past, but a beating heart for the people of South Sulawesi.