COMBINATION OF CULTURES TOWARD SPACE-FORMING ELEMENT ON AL-MAHSUN GRAND MOSQUE MEDAN

Abstract

Along with the passage of time, architecture continues to develop, including Muslim places of worship known as mosques. Early mosques were built simply, using modest materials. As Islam spread to various parts of the world, cultural exchanges occurred, influencing mosque architecture. Over time, mosque designs began to evolve, adapting to local habits, characteristics, and climates. Often, space-forming elements in mosques reflect a combination of cultural influences. One example is the Al-Mashun Grand Mosque in Medan. This mosque, which was designed by Van Erp and constructed by JA Tingdeman, combines Middle Eastern, Indian, Spanish, and local Malay architectural styles, according to the North Sumatra Province Culture and Tourism Office's official website. This cultural diversity sparked the researcher’s interest in exploring the truth behind these influences. The main objective of this study is to identify the combination of cultures reflected in three specific space-forming elements of the Al-Mashun Grand Mosque: the floor, walls, and windows. Direct observation and field documentation are used in this qualitative study, and the results are compared with the relevant literature. Descriptive analysis is used to examine the data. Through this study, the researcher aims to explain how each of the three elements incorporates more than one cultural influence and how those combinations take shape in the mosque’s architectural form. The results are expected to show that cultural integration is not only present but plays a significant role in shaping the identity of this historic mosque—one of the oldest in North Sumatra.