Contemporary Meaning and Function of Minaret An Exploration of Grand Mosque Hasyim Asyari

Abstract

This paper has investigated and interrogated the significance and existence of minaret in contemporary urban mosque in Jakarta. Etymologically speaking, minaret derives from the word manara, which means tower. Throughout history, minaret was not built to amplify call prayer and its development in the Middle Eastern context were various among regions. Yet, in Indonesia minaret was only known during the modern Indonesian era following different cultural and historical contexts. In contemporary context, prominent Indonesian architects are still put minaret in their mosques design. Through an exploration of Jakarta Grand Mosque KH Hasyim Asyari, Jakarta and the lens of the architect and the ummah, we will analyze the meaning and function of the minaret and how it transform or not transform the ritual spatial practice of the ummah in contemporary urban context.