Al-A'zhom Grand Mosque

The Grandeur of Al-A’zhom Grand Mosque Architecture: Spiritual Landmark and Structural Innovation of Tangerang City

Al-A’zhom Grand Mosque is more than just a place of worship for Muslims in Tangerang City; it is a manifestation of the city's religious yet modern identity. Located in the heart of Tangerang City's government center, Banten, this mosque stands as a record-breaking architectural landmark that redefines the aesthetic of mosque design in Indonesia. From its groundbreaking in 1997 to its inauguration in 2003, Al-A’zhom has become a symbol of pride for the people of Banten.

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Historical Context and Design Philosophy

The construction of Al-A’zhom Grand Mosque was initiated by the then Mayor of Tangerang, H. Jakaria Machmud, and continued by H. Thamrin Mohammad Ali. The main designer behind this magnificent structure was Ir. H. Slamet Wirasonjaya, a renowned architect and professor from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).

The design philosophy of Al-A’zhom is rooted in a blend of traditional Islamic values and modern functionality. The name "Al-A’zhom" itself is derived from one of the Asmaul Husna, meaning "The Most Glorious." This glory is visually translated through the massive scale of the building and the dominance of a dome without a central supporting pillar, creating a spacious and uninterrupted interior.

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Geometric Innovation: The Phenomenon of the Pillarless Dome

The most striking architectural feature, which has sparked discussion in the architectural world, is its dome structure. Al-A’zhom Grand Mosque has five stacked domes. This formation consists of four semi-circular domes that serve as supports, and one main dome at the apex that unifies the entire structure.

What makes this structure unique is the main dome's diameter of 63 meters. At the time of its construction, Al-A’zhom was claimed to be the mosque with the largest dome in the world built without a central supporting pillar. This innovation was made possible through precise civil engineering calculations, where the dome's load is evenly distributed to the curved structure below and transferred to the foundation through giant columns on the exterior sides of the main hall.

The presence of these five domes is not without meaning. Symbolically, the number of five domes represents the five pillars of Islam as well as the obligation of five daily prayers for Muslims. From a distance, these stacked light blue domes create a silhouette resembling a mountain, a visual element often found in Nusantara vernacular architecture but executed with modern techniques.

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Exterior Details and Facade Ornaments

Visually, the mosque's exterior is dominated by cream and blue colors, giving a calm yet authoritative impression. The mosque is equipped with four 30-meter-high minarets surrounding the main building. These minarets adopt a Middle Eastern architectural style with strong geometric touches, serving as places for the call to prayer loudspeakers as well as visual balancing elements for the wide dome.

The building's facade uses a combination of exposed concrete and ceramic accents. Large windows with geometric grilles are installed around the walls to ensure optimal natural air circulation. This is crucial given Tangerang City's hot climate. This design allows wind to flow freely into the prayer hall, reducing reliance on mechanical air conditioning.

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Interior: Calligraphy and Spacious Spiritual Space

Upon entering the mosque, visitors are greeted by an incredibly spacious volume. The absence of a central pillar provides an unobstructed view towards the mihrab and all corners of the room. The interior of the dome is adorned with beautiful calligraphy (khat) paintings. Verses from the Quran are written with high precision, forming a circle following the dome's curve, creating a visual effect that directs the gaze upwards, towards the glory of God.

The mosque's mihrab is designed majestically using natural stone and fine wood carvings. The lighting in the main hall is designed to utilize sunlight during the day through gaps beneath the dome, creating a dramatic sacred atmosphere as sunlight falls onto the marble floor.

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Facilities and Area Integration

Al-A’zhom Grand Mosque stands on approximately 2.25 hectares of land with a building area of 5,775 square meters. It has a capacity to accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers. Another uniqueness of this mosque is its location, integrated with the Tangerang City Government office complex. This creates synergy between the spiritual center and the public administration center.

In the courtyard and hall areas, there are green open spaces often used by the community for interaction. Additionally, the mosque houses the Islamic Gallery, a mini-museum showcasing the history of Islam's development in Tangerang and religious artifacts, making it an educational center as well as a place of worship.

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Social and Cultural Significance

Since its inauguration, Al-A’zhom Grand Mosque has become the "living room" for Tangerang City. Its existence attracts religious tourists from various regions in Indonesia. For local residents, this mosque is a center for social activities; from the observance of Islamic holidays (PHBI), the annual Al-A’zhom festival, to serving as a gathering point for humanitarian actions.

The mosque's architecture successfully blends its function as a sacred place with its function as a city icon. It stands not just as a structure of concrete and steel, but as a representation of Tangerang City's ambition to become a city with "Akhlakul Karimah" (noble character).

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Conclusion

Al-A’zhom Grand Mosque is an architectural masterpiece that challenged the limits of construction engineering in its time. Through the innovation of a giant pillarless dome, Ir. H. Slamet Wirasonjaya succeeded in creating a space that is not only religiously functional but also aesthetically inspiring. With its captivating calligraphy details, excellent environmental integration, and profound philosophical meaning, Al-A’zhom remains a strong architectural gem in Banten, reminding every visitor of the harmony between human intelligence and devotion to the Creator.