The architectural style of the Malayo-Aceh

Aceh and Malay are two ethnic and cultural coexistence, mutual influence and enrich both cultures of each other. Many scholars argue that Aceh and Malay is derived from the same family, but the fact it does not seem entirely true. But however, the two have been living together since ancient times.

An old and historic mosque in the village Gunong Kleing, Meureubo region, on the west coast of Aceh, gives the impressions of the two influences of architectural styles, which can be called by the the Malayo-Aceh.

Most of the building of this mosque was made from of wood as commonly important buildings in areas with rich of wood forests. The building shape is rectangular, and on the roof there are four domes and a minaret. Of the four domes, three dome on the front of the mosque, and the main dome in the middle. The tower was built up in northeast mosque.

In contrast to the domes of mosque are common curved, dome of the Aceh traditional mosques foursquare. But in Aceh traditional architecture is only found one dome, and sometimes it was multilevel up to three levels. The mosque, with the dome more than one can be said is due to the influence that comes from the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the style of carving art at this mosque more displaying a carving art of the Malay style that is much simpler.

Overall, this mosque appears to represent two architectural art treasures in Sumatra.

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The mosque image archive saved in the museum of Aceh.

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A beautiful minaret at the northeast corner of the mosque.

Interior of the mosque

The central pillar supporting the roof of the mosque.