Old Tosora Mosque

Traces of Wajo Kingdom's Glory: Exploring the History and Architecture of the Old Tosora Mosque

Masjid Tua Tosora is not merely a stone structure weathered by time; it is a silent monument that encapsulates the ebb and flow of Islamic civilization in the Bugis land, particularly in the Wajo region of South Sulawesi. Located in Tosora Village, Majauleng District, this site is a remnant of past glory when Tosora served as the capital of the Wajo Kingdom. As one of the most prominent historical sites in South Sulawesi, Masjid Tua Tosora offers a profound narrative of resistance, spirituality, and the architectural ingenuity of the local people in the past.

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Origins and Founding Period

Masjid Tua Tosora was founded in 1621, precisely during the reign of the 15th Arung Matowa Wajo, La Sangkuru Patau Mulajaji Sultan Muhammad Safiuddin. The establishment of this mosque marked a golden era for Islam in Wajo, after the kingdom officially embraced Islam in 1610. Its construction was inseparable from the role of great scholars who came to the Bugis land to spread Islamic teachings, making Tosora a respected center for education and religious propagation in the southern peninsula of Sulawesi.

In the 17th century, Tosora was not only a center of government but also a strong defense fortress. The mosque was built within a fortified city complex surrounded by defensive moats and vast earthen walls. The presence of the mosque in the heart of the capital indicated that theocratic values were beginning to integrate with the existing Bugis customary governance system.

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Unique Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Masjid Tua Tosora exhibits uniqueness that distinguishes it from other ancient mosques in the Nusantara. Its main structure does not use wood, as is common in traditional Bugis architecture, but rather uses stacked mountain stones bonded with a mixture of traditional materials.

One of the unique facts about its construction is the use of egg whites, lime, and sand as the bonding material (mortar). This technique provided extraordinary strength, allowing the remaining mosque walls to stand firm even after more than four centuries. The walls have an impressive thickness, resembling fortress structures, reflecting the building's dual function during times of war.

The mosque originally had a tiered roof (tumpang tiga), a characteristic of ancient mosque architecture in Indonesia, but this roof was long destroyed by warfare. Inside, remnants of pillars that once supported the roof structure can be found. Although only the walls remain without a roof, the layout of the mihrab (imam's niche) is still clearly visible, indicating the precisely astronomical direction of the qibla for its time.

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Historical Events and Political Significance

Masjid Tua Tosora bears silent witness to the most dramatic events in Wajo's history, namely the Makassar War (1667-1669) and the siege of Tosora by Dutch (VOC) forces, aided by local allied troops. Due to the steadfastness of the Wajo people in rejecting the Bongaya Treaty, Tosora became a target for destruction.

In 1670, VOC forces attacked Tosora with large cannons. The mosque, which was also used as a shelter and for coordinating war strategies, suffered severe damage from artillery strikes. The cannonball holes on the remaining walls are authentic evidence of the ferocity of the battles that took place. Wajo's defeat in the war led to the gradual abandonment of Tosora city, but the mosque's ruins remain as a symbol of resistance against colonialism.

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Important Figures and Sacred Tombs

The site of Masjid Tua Tosora cannot be separated from the presence of the tombs of great figures in its vicinity. One of the most prominent figures buried in this complex is Syekh Jamaluddin Al-Akbar Al-Husaini. He was a great scholar, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad SAW's grandson, believed to be an ancestor of many saints in the Nusantara (Wali Songo). The presence of his tomb makes this site a highly revered destination for religious tourism, attracting pilgrims from various parts of Indonesia and even abroad.

Besides Syekh Jamaluddin, around the mosque are also the tombs of the Arung Matowa (kings) of Wajo and other noble families. The proximity between the place of worship and the royal tombs emphasizes the concept of leadership in Bugis society, which unified the roles of "Sayyid" (scholar) and "Arung" (king).

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Masjid Tua Tosora is categorized as a Cultural Heritage Site under the supervision of the Cultural Preservation Center. The Wajo regional government, along with the central government, has undertaken various conservation efforts to prevent further damage from natural and weather factors.

The restoration undertaken is conservative, meaning it preserves the original form of the ruins without rebuilding them entirely, in order to maintain their historical value. The construction of a canopy or protective roof over the tomb of Syekh Jamaluddin has been completed to provide comfort for visitors. Furthermore, the environmental arrangement around the site continues to be improved to make it a center for historical education for the younger generation.

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Cultural and Religious Significance Today

For the people of Wajo, Masjid Tua Tosora is a collective identity. It is a reminder of a time when Wajo held the principle of Maradeka to Wajoe, najajiang alena, na mabberebe ri ade'na (The people of Wajo are free, born free, and only submit to customary law). This value of freedom is intertwined with the monotheism that emanates from the mosque's ruins.

Every year, thousands of people visit this site, especially on Islamic holidays or leading up to Ramadan. The existence of this mosque proves that even though a physical building can be destroyed by war, the spiritual and historical values it contains remain eternal in the memory of the people. Masjid Tua Tosora is not just rubble, but a historical "gem" that continues to illuminate the civilization of South Sulawesi with narratives of steadfast faith and courage.