Azizi Mosque Tanjung Pura

Azizi Mosque Tanjung Pura: Architectural Grandeur and the Legacy of the Langkat Sultanate

Azizi Mosque Tanjung Pura is more than just a place of worship; it is a living monument that chronicles the glory of the Langkat Sultanate in the past. Located in Tanjung Pura, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, this mosque stands as a symbol of the fusion of Middle Eastern, European, and Malay aesthetics. As one of the most prominent historical sites in North Sumatra, Azizi Mosque holds a long narrative of power, architectural art, and the spread of Islam on the eastern coast of Sumatra.

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Origin and Founding History

The construction of Azizi Mosque was initiated by the 7th Sultan of Langkat, Sultan Musa Al-Muazzamsyah. Construction began in 1899, but Sultan Musa passed away before this magnificent project was completed. The baton of construction was then passed to his son, Sultan Abdul Aziz Djalil Rahmatsyah. The name "Azizi" itself is taken from the name of Sultan Abdul Aziz as a form of respect and a marker of his reign.

The mosque was inaugurated on June 13, 1902 (12 Rabiul Awal 1320 Hijriah), coinciding with the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad SAW's birthday. Its construction incurred a very large cost for its time, sourced from the abundant wealth of the Langkat Sultanate thanks to rubber plantation yields and the discovery of crude oil sources in Pangkalan Brandan.

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Architectural Uniqueness and Construction Details

One of the main attractions of Azizi Mosque is its eclectic architectural style. The mosque was designed by a German architect, but its design touches are deeply infused with the nuances of Mughal (North India) combined with Persian and Moorish styles.

Visually, the mosque is dominated by a golden-yellow color, which is the distinctive color of Malay royalty. The building structure has many domes, with one large central dome surrounded by a dozen smaller domes. These domes are onion-shaped, reminiscent of the Taj Mahal style in India.

The interior of the mosque is equally stunning. The floors use high-quality marble imported directly from Italy and Germany. The interior walls are adorned with intricate Arabic calligraphy and precise geometric carvings. The mosque's windows use colorful stained glass that creates a dramatic lighting effect when sunlight enters the room. Another unique feature is the tall, slender, and elegant minaret, which serves as a place to call for prayer that can be heard from a far radius.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

Azizi Mosque bears silent witness to the transition of power in Langkat, from the Dutch colonial era, the Japanese occupation, to the era of Indonesian independence. One of the darkest events related to this location is the "Social Revolution" in 1946. At that time, mass unrest occurred targeting the royal families in East Sumatra. The Azizi Mosque complex became one of the focal points, but fortunately, the main mosque building remained safe from total destruction, although the Langkat Sultanate politically collapsed after that event.

In the mosque's courtyard, there is a royal family burial complex of the Langkat Sultanate. It is here that Sultan Musa, Sultan Abdul Aziz, and other members of the royal family are buried. The presence of these graves makes Azizi Mosque an important historical pilgrimage site for the Malay community and historians.

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Prominent Figure: Tengku Amir Hamzah

Speaking of Azizi Mosque, one cannot detach it from the figure of Tengku Amir Hamzah, the National Hero and "Poet King of Pujangga Baru." He was the grandson of Sultan Musa and the nephew of Sultan Abdul Aziz. Amir Hamzah often spent time in the mosque's surroundings for worship and contemplation. His tomb is located in the Azizi Mosque cemetery complex, making it a magnet for literature and history enthusiasts who wish to pay homage to a figure who made significant contributions to the development of the Indonesian language.

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Cultural and Religious Role

To this day, Azizi Mosque continues to function as a center for religious activities for the people of Tanjung Pura. One unique tradition that is still maintained is the grand commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad SAW's birthday, continuing the tradition that began with the mosque's inauguration in 1902. Furthermore, the mosque serves as a center for Quranic learning and is a source of pride for the Malay cultural identity in North Sumatra.

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Preservation and Restoration Status

As a Cultural Heritage Site, Azizi Mosque has undergone several renovation stages to maintain its structural integrity. The Langkat Regency Government, along with the Cultural Preservation Center, regularly conducts maintenance, especially on the domes and wall ornaments that are vulnerable to the tropical weather.

Although some original building materials have been replaced due to age, the relevant authorities continue to strive to preserve the original architectural details. For example, tile or paint replacements still refer to the initial color and pattern specifications. These conservation efforts are crucial, considering that Azizi Mosque is one of the few remaining Malay Sultanate architectural heritages in East Sumatra that still stands strong and functions well.

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Unique Facts and Conclusion

One unique fact about Azizi Mosque is the influence of its design on the construction of the Great Mosque of Al-Mashun in Medan. Sultan Ma'mun Al-Rasyid of the Deli Sultanate was reportedly inspired by the beauty of Azizi Mosque, leading him to build the Great Mosque of Medan with several similar aesthetic elements.

With a land area of approximately 1.6 hectares, Azizi Mosque Tanjung Pura is not just an old building. It is a representation of construction technology advancements and economic prosperity in the early 20th century. For visitors, standing in the middle of the mosque's veranda provides a sensation of time travel, experiencing the grandeur of the past that remains preserved amidst rapid changes of the era. Azizi Mosque continues to be a beacon of Islamic and Malay civilization in Langkat, which must be preserved by future generations.