Aceh : Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque (Indonesian: Masjid Raya Baiturrahman) is a grand mosque located in the center of Banda Aceh city, Aceh province, Indonesia. It is of a great significance for Acehnese people as the symbol of Acehnese strong Islamic faith and culture. This Banda Aceh's landmark mosque has survived the devastating 2004 tsunami. The name comes from Arabic, meaning 'House of Mercy'.

The mosque was designed by an Italian architect and built by the Dutch colonial administration as a token of reconciliation following their destruction of an older mosque during the Aceh Wars. Construction of the mosque commenced in 1879 and was completed in 1881. The initial mosque were smaller and consist of a single dome. Years later the mosque were renovated and expanded by constructing additional wings. The mosque survived the massive 2004 tsunami which destroyed much of the rest of the city of Banda Aceh.

The design of the mosque combines influences of European colonial and Moghul Indian Islamic architecture. The black domes are uniquely constructed from hard wood shingles combined as tiles. The mosque incorporates a few traditional Aceh decorative elements and features. Today the mosque is the famous landmark of Banda Aceh and has become the symbol of the city also represents the cultural uniqueness of the Acehnese people.