Mataram Kingdom is located in central java, although in the history, the kingdom was split into two sub-kingdom, namely Ngayogyakarto (the city of Jogjakarta) and Surakarta (the city of Solo or Surakarta), the two shared the same root tradition and even came from a single family ancestor. What we about to see is an acculturation of Islam and Javanese culture, which is essential to understand the style of these mosques. There are 3 mosques that stands until today. The oldest would be in Kotagede, built on 1640 by Sultan Agung (the first king of moslem Mataram Kingdom) and was also renovated in by Paku Buwono (whose decendant later on would be reigning in Surakarta).

As we see the style was still using Javanese architecture which accomodating the Mihrab (where the Imam would lead the prayer from) and prayers’ hall. Eventhough the style is relativelly simple, there is a grand gesture from the moment we step in the hall. The aura of serenity and calmness. The fences surrounding the mosque was built in Hindu style in order to honor other religion (at that time Hindu and Budha) who have helped building the mosque. So, from the out side you will find that the compound as if we are entering a Hindu Pura (temple).

The second oldest would be Masjid Agung Surakarta (the great mosque of Surakarta) which was built in 1763.

The youngest is Masjid Agung Yogyakarta which was built nearing the end of 18th century.

On the three mosques we found similiarity of granduer even if ornamentations were rare on Kotagede mosque. The philosphy of using the space is in the same style with one main hall (although different in sizes) and a mihrab on the front (west side, since according to compass Makkah where Ka’bah is located, is in that direction), with additional function such as terraces, here and there according to the taste of the ruler at the time, but still in the main line.