The Old Palopo Mosque, standing since the 17th century, reflects the acculturation of Bugis, Javanese, Chinese and Islamic cultures, becoming a symbol of history and architectural heritage in South Sulawesi.
The Old Palopo Mosque is one of the historical buildings that bears witness to the spread of Islam in South Sulawesi. Founded in 1615, this mosque is one of the oldest in the region, and is closely linked to the glory of the Luwu Kingdom.
At more than four centuries old, the Old Palopo Mosque still stands strong, inviting admiration for its architectural beauty, which is thick with the acculturation of Bugis, Javanese and Chinese cultures.
Located in Palopo City, this mosque was once an important part of the kingdom’s center. The name “Palopo” itself has two meanings in Bugis and Luwu languages: one refers to a food made from sticky rice and sugar, and the other is related to the construction technique, where the building pillars are attached with pegs.
Both meanings reflect the relationship between this mosque and the local culture and history of the Luwu Kingdom.
History of the Establishment of the Old Palopo Mosque
The construction of this mosque began when Datu Luwu, La Pattiware, embraced Islam and changed his title to Sultan Muhammad Waliyyul Mudharuddin.
Under his rule, the spread of Islam was rapid, with the Old Mosque of Palopo becoming a center of religious activities and an important place for the local community.
In 1610, the capital of the Luwu Kingdom was moved to Palopo, making the city the center of Islamic preaching in the region.
This mosque is not only a place of worship, but also reflects the social and cultural changes in the Luwu Kingdom, which was transformed from a traditional government to an Islamic kingdom.
Things to do in Palopo include visiting this historic mosque, which until now still functions as a center for religious and social activities for local residents, as well as a gathering place for Muslims.
The Attraction and Uniqueness of the Architecture of the Old Palopo Mosque
1. Building Design with Strong Historical Elements
The Old Palopo Mosque has a simple design, but is rich in meaning. With a rectangular shape measuring 15×15 meters, this mosque is made of andesite stone which is rarely used in mosque buildings in Indonesia.
Unlike many other traditional mosques that are built on stilts, this mosque stands directly on the ground, depicting a blend of Bugis, Javanese and Chinese cultures in its architecture.
2. Triple Roof with Religious Philosophy
One of the most striking features of the Old Palopo Mosque is its three-tiered roof. This roof resembles the roof of a typical Javanese joglo house, with stacks symbolizing the three main principles in Islamic teachings: Faith, Islam, and Ihsan.
This roof structure is also a symbol of the cultural acculturation that occurred between local traditions and the influence of Islam in the past.
3. Mihrab and Pulpit with Ancient Architecture
The interior of the mosque is also filled with meaningful architectural details. The mihrab, where the imam leads the prayer, is shaped like a horseshoe measuring 1.92 meters high and 1.02 meters wide.
This horseshoe shape is also found on the doors of the tombs of the kings of Luwu, adding to the impression of similarities between royal and religious architecture.
Next to the mihrab, there is a wooden pulpit painted red, decorated with paduraksa ornaments influenced by Hindu-Buddhist culture. This pulpit has six steps, adding to its artistic and historical value.
4. Windows Containing Religious Philosophy
The Old Palopo Mosque has 20 windows, with 7 on the north and south sides, and 6 on the east side. The philosophy behind this number of windows is very thick with Islamic teachings.
The twenty windows symbolize the 20 obligatory attributes of Allah, while the 6 windows on the east side symbolize the 6 pillars of faith.
The vents on the west side, although they do not have windows, provide 12 holes that symbolize the 12 months of the Islamic calendar, reinforcing the religious philosophy present in the mosque’s design.
5. The Sacred Main Pillar
One of the important elements of this mosque is its main pillar, called the pillar. This pole is 8.5 meters high with a diameter of 1 meter, made from local wood called cina gori.
This pillar is considered very sacred by the local people, so many of them used to take its fragments as talismans. To protect its integrity, the main pillar is now protected with glass.
6. Construction Technique with Egg White
Another uniqueness of the Old Mosque of Palopo is its construction technique that uses egg white as an adhesive for andesite stone.
Egg white, which was chosen as the adhesive, symbolizes the unity and togetherness of the Palopo community in building this mosque. This shows the genius of past architectural techniques that are still praised today.
Cultural Acculturation and Historical Values
The Old Mosque of Palopo is a perfect example of cultural acculturation that has occurred over centuries. Its architectural style combines elements from various cultures, such as Bugis, Javanese, Islam, Hindu, and Chinese, which live side by side peacefully.
The mosque’s ornaments, which are full of meaning and philosophical details, depict the spirit of tolerance and unity in diversity.
This mosque is not only a place of worship, but also a center of religious learning for the community.
Until now, the Old Mosque of Palopo remains a religious tourism destination, attracting visitors from various regions to witness firsthand the beauty and uniqueness of this cultural heritage.
Location and Access to the Old Palopo Mosque
The Old Palopo Mosque is located in the center of Palopo City, adjacent to the Luwu Royal Palace. In the past, its location close to the palace was designed to be easily accessible to the royal family and the public.
Today, its strategic location makes it easy for tourists and visitors who want to learn about Islamic history in South Sulawesi.
The Old Mosque of Palopo is one of the most valuable architectural and historical heritages of Islam in South Sulawesi.
With its unique design, deep philosophy, and rich history, this mosque offers an experience that is not only religious but also educational for anyone who visits it. If you have the opportunity to visit South Sulawesi, Tourist Attractions in Parepare and the Old Mosque of Palopo are destinations that should not be missed to experience the richness of Indonesian culture and history.
