M Irvanie Rama H.
Google
The 99 Domes Mosque (Arabic: مسجد القبة ٩٩) or more commonly known as the Asmaulhusna Mosque (Arabic: مسجد اسماء الحسنى) is a historic mosque located in the city of Makassar, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The mosque was built in 2017 and officially opened in 2023. It has become the latest icon of South Sulawesi Province, situated in the Center Point of Indonesia (CPI) Tanjung Bunga area.
The name “99 Domes” is derived from the number of domes in the mosque's design, symbolizing the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah SWT in Islam. This carries deep spiritual meaning, where the physical architecture of the mosque is not merely a building but also a visual symbol of remembrance of God's attributes. Each dome has a different size, forming an astonishing and harmonious tiered visual pattern.
The mosque was designed by renowned Indonesian architect Ridwan Kamil, who is also the Governor of West Java and an architecture graduate from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). Its architectural style blends Islamic geometric elements, Nusantara colors, and tropical architectural principles. The vibrant orange, red, and yellow hues of the domes reflect the spirit and joy characteristic of Bugis-Makassar culture.
The construction process was divided into several stages with considerable challenges due to its location on reclaimed coastal land. The construction required complex techniques to ensure stability and resistance to the marine environment. Although still under development, the main parts of the mosque, such as the prayer hall and several supporting facilities, are already available for public use.
In terms of specifications, the mosque can accommodate around 10,000 worshippers. The building consists of various zones, including the main prayer area, ablution area, minarets, multipurpose rooms, and public open spaces around it. The architectural beauty of the mosque is not only evident in its unique number of domes but also in its design sensitivity to the qibla direction, natural lighting, and ventilation tailored to the tropical coastal climate.
Philosophically, the architecture of the 99-Dome Mosque conveys a message about the grandeur of God and the diversity of Indonesia. Its design encourages Muslims to reflect on the attributes of Allah every time they see or enter the mosque. Additionally, its location by the sea symbolizes Makassar's openness as a port city that embraces diverse cultures and ideas.
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