The language of Nusantara Architecture: study of heritage mosques in Indonesia and Malaysia

The architecture of ancient mosques in the archipelago is explored in depth, especially in relation to the connections between one mosque and others . The old mosque building reveal patterns in form, function, and meaning. Previous studies indicate that old mosque buildings preserve cultural values and historical significance and are closely linked to the spread of Islam in the archipelago., Research is based on the lack of studies combining buildings across countries, which is required to explore object architecture that becomes a marker of cultural connectivity between nations. Therefore, the research aims to identify the characteristics of Old Mosque buildings in Indonesia and Malaysia as a basis for finding concepts of the Nusantara architecture group of the Old Mosque. The researchers used a qualitative, rationalistic approach. The data collection method is qualitative for both primary and secondary data. The methods used include interviews, observations, field studies, documents, and a content analysis. The findings reveal similarities and mimesis of old mosques in Malaysia and Indonesia. The similarities are visible in the shape of the roof, the floor plan, and the roof layer. The presence of a trade routes and exchange cultures is one of the factors of similarity in the distribution of Mosque architecture in the archipelago. Geographical boundaries do not result in different architectural style but they show the proximity of culture and kinship among fellow nations, such as the Malays. Mosques in Indonesia and Malaysia became a time marker for the function of worship for Muslim people in the classical Islamic civilization from the 15th to the 17th centuries.