Peace be upon you, and Allah mercy and blessings

Welcome to the Indonesian Islamic Art Museum. We’re glad to have you here.This is the first modern IT-based Islamic museum in Indonesia that was established at the end of 2016. Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to inform you that our museum features four distinct zones:

First Zone
In the first zone, you’ll watch an animated film called The Glorious of Islam. This film tells the story of the spread of Islam, starting with the Prophet Muhammad receiving revelations in Mecca and spreading them with his companions and caliphs. It then focuses on how Islam spread to the archipelago through traders and missionaries. This show is only about 15 minutes long.

Second Zone
In the second zone, you’ll find our collection of historical artifacts related to the spread of Islam around the world and in Indonesia. Our collection includes artifacts from some of the largest Islamic empires in history, including the Ottoman Empire, the Mughal Empire, and various Chinese dynasties. We also have artifacts from some of the Islamic kingdoms in Indonesia that played a big role in spreading Islam in our country.

Third Zone
The third zone contains dioramas of replicated buildings and objects from Admiral Cheng Ho’s legacy. For example, there is a replica of the Cheng ho ship and the Cheng ho Mosque. Visitors are welcome to take pictures with these objects.

Fourth Zone
The fourth and last zone of the Indonesian Islamic Art Museum houses an AR board game that visitors can try. There is also a 3-dimensional cinema that showcases educational animated films.

The Glorious of Islam

We’re so glad you could join us for the screening of The Glorious of Islam. We hope you enjoy the film. Wassalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for watching the film with us. Before we move on to the next zone, we invite you to take a look around this theater room and see the evidence of Islamic architectural art in the form of mosques. These are some of the most famous mosques in the world.

Sunan Ampel Mosque

Starting with one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia, the Sunan Ampel mosque. This mosque is located in the Surabaya City area and was founded by Raden Rahmad in 1421. It was built in an old Javanese architectural style with thick Arabic nuances.

Taj Mahal Mosque

Another well-known mosque is the Taj Mahal, located in India. This mosque is actually one of the Seven Wonders of the World and was built by King Shah Jahan as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal Mosque has many calligraphy carvings, including a verse from the Quran written around the monument.

The Ottoman Beylik

Smack dab in the middle of the room you’ll find The Ottoman Beylik Mosque banner. The mosque was established in the 14th century. Its architecture is defined by a single, closed-off room with minimal decoration–characteristics that create an atmosphere of reverence and worshipful solemnity befitting any house of Allah.

Great Mosque of Xi’an

Similarly, over in China stands The Great Mosque of Xi’an–the oldest mosque in the country built in traditional Chinese architectural style. At the time of its construction, there weren’t many mosques in China so existing buildings were adapted to serve as places of worship.

Ladies and gentlemen, you can scan these QR codes with the app you downloaded to see the pictures in 3D! And if you want to take your own pictures or videos, go right ahead–the AR app will let you do that too. Now let’s move on to the next zone: the collection zone.

Ottoman Turkey

Welcome to Zone 2, or the Collection Zone. This is where you’ll find a selection of artifacts from Islamic history. First is from the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire was one of the largest empires in the world, and it was very influential in the Islamic world.

There were three sultans who were particularly influential during the height of the Ottoman Empire: Sultan Osman Bey, who founded the empire; Sultan Mehmed II, or Muhammad Al-fatih, who conquered Constantinople; and Sultan Sulaiman, who is famous for his achievements in reconstructing the Ottoman constitutional system. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s take a look at these relics and learn more about how the Ottoman Empire spread its influence across the world.

Sword of Zulfikar Syamsir from the Ottoman Empire of Turkey

This sword is said to have the same type as the Prophet’s sword which was passed on to Ali bin Abi Tholib. It’s just that the difference is that Zulfikar Syamsir’s sword, which belongs to Rasulullah SAW, has two branches at the end of the sword like a snake’s tongue. Meanwhile, Zulfikar Syamsir’s sword from the Ottoman Empire, Turkey, only had one branch, which was smaller and thinner. Zulfikar Syamsir’s sword itself means “Zul” owner, and “Fiqar” sharpness. So that this sword is very famous and legendary compared to other Prophetic swords.

Kilij’s Sword

The sword named Kilij was first created in Turkey in 400 AD. At the beginning of its production, Kilij underwent several model overhauls. Even in the Ottoman era, Kilij was still used by soldiers up to the top level warriors. In general, Kilij is used by horsemen to kill enemies. According to information, Kilij can be used to easily split an opponent’s body. Kilij’s sword is still used as a standard weapon from ordinary soldiers to the top.

Damascus sword

The Damascus sword is a sword that is very popular among both Muslims and non-Muslims. This sword was produced from 1100 to 1750. The Damascus sword is the sharpest sword in the world, sharper than the Japanese katana or Indonesian keris. This sword easily pierced the armor of the Crusader troops, and was even able to split the shield. A distinctive feature of the Damascus sword is the watermark pattern on its surface, which is similar to the Indonesian/Japanese keris. The Damascus sword itself is known as the sword used by Salahuddin al Ayyubi, an Egyptian-Syrian sultan as well as a warlord who was able to recapture Jerusalem from the hands of the Christians through the Hattin war.

Armor

This shirt was used as a protector in war by soldiers of the Ottoman Empire, throughout the 16th century. The peak of his power was under the reign of King Sulaiman Agung, which was one of the strongest empires in the world. King Solomon controlled most of Southeastern Europe, West Asia/Caucasus, North Africa and the Horn of Europe with constantinople as his capital and his empire spanning a vast area around the Mediterranean basin. Uniquely, this shirt weighs approximately 17 kilograms made of iron. Which, if people think about it nowadays, it’s almost impossible for one person to wear clothes that heavy.

Turkish War Shield

The shields that the Turkish army used for this war were made in the 18th century with steel as the basic material. This shield is round with a diameter of 50 cm and is decorated with carved flowers and Arabic calligraphy and Asma’ul Khusna as a sign of prayer for safety.

Gold Ink Quran

This holy book is estimated to be around 250 years old with a layer of 18 carat gold ink. The paper itself was imported directly from Europe, thus making this Koran even more special. There are three sections of paper with gold-plated ink strokes. The section on the front page reads Surah Al-Fatihah, the middle page reads Surah Al-Kahf, and the last page says Surah An-Nass.

Istanbul Book

This book is a small Qur’anic book which contains verses of the Qur’an as in other Qur’anic books. The difference is that this book is smaller than the size of a normal book. It is said that this book was made in Istanbul, Turkey and is around 16 centuries old. In ancient times this book was believed to be a talisman that featured a myriad of properties such as immunity and others.

Candle Holder with Horse Rider

Candle holder in the shape of a Muslim knight riding a Unicorn. In modern legends that emerged in the Middle Ages, the Unicorn is described as a horse-shaped creature with one horn on its head. In a more traditional version, this creature is described as having cloven hooves, a goatee-like beard and a lion-like tail. But one thing that traditional and modern descriptions have in common is the presence of one horn on its head. Well, the candle holder in the Indonesian Islamic Art Museum is shaped like a unicorn in the traditional sense. In the Middle Ages, the influence of the Unicorn reached Europe and began to be used as an object of art and symbols of nobility. At this time, the character of the Unicorn has turned into a creature that really resembles a horse entirely with one horn on its head.

Arabic Calligraphy Ottoman Islamic Knight Battle Helmet

It is a head protector commonly used by the Knights of the Ottoman Empire / Turkish army troops which are very well known as the Ottoman Empire under the leadership of Osman Bey in Northwestern Anatolia and Mehmed II who conquered Constantinople, to be precise in the 16-17 century AD. Experiencing the pinnacle of power under the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent became one of the most powerful countries in the world.

Arabic Calligraphy Carved and Painted

This object is made of wood, usually placed in the prayer room. The prayer room functions as a wall decoration that reads the Arabic calligraphy of the shahada, which means “I testify that there is no god but Allah, Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of Allah SWT.”

Indian Mughals

Ladies and Gentlemen, Next we step into the showcase of the relics of the Indian Mughal Empire. This kingdom was also one of the Islamic kingdoms that had quite a big influence on the development or spread of Islam in Indonesia. This kingdom was founded by King Zahiruddin Babur in 1526 AD. The Mughal Empire itself reached its peak of glory during the reign of King Akbar who was the grandson of King Babur. And during the reign of King Shah Jahan, he built the Taj Mahal to commemorate his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal and became one of the proofs of progress in the field of Mughal architecture at that time. These relics from the Mughal Empire include.

Soldier Helmet or combat helmet

A combat helmet is a kind of personal armor specifically designed to protect the head in war or combat. This head protector from the Mughal empire was made of steel in the 17th-18th centuries. Where in ancient times it was used by the Islamic army of the Mughal empire or what is known as the Babur army which was very good at fighting and was one of the strongest Islamic armies in the world and greatly feared by opponents.

Battle Shield

A shield always accompanies the sword as part of the armor. shields were made of steel or leather and were generally 17 to 24 inches in diameter. When made of steel, they were often decorated with gold patterns while leather shields bore silver or gold bosses, crescents, or stars. Now this is one of the shields inherited from the Indian Mughal Empire. This battle shield was made of steel in the 17-18th century AD in India. More specifically on this shield is written about Asmaul Husna.

Mughal Babur Horse Head Armor / Mughal Babur Horse Head Protecto

Headgear for this horse has been around since the 16th century, made of steel during the Indian Mughal empire during the reign of King Babur, the first king to establish the Mughal empire. This horse’s head protector is usually equipped with armor to protect the horse’s body from attacks by sharp weapons such as arrows/swords, this horse’s head protector was used when fighting by the Islamic army of the Mughal empire.

Pantola cloth or gujarat woven cloth

Patola cloth is a kind of best double ikat cloth introduced by cloth traders from Gujarat, north India. Before Indonesia was able to make motifs on its woven fabrics, ancient nobles usually bought woven fabrics from Gujarat and Persia. This is because these 2 areas have the best quality woven fabrics and are equipped with beautiful motifs and patterns. This cloth is a ceremonial cloth made in Gujarat India. For most people in Indonesia, this patola cloth is considered a cloth of greatness that can be worn in traditional ceremonies such as staging traditional rain dances in the Sikka region of Flores Island as well as rituals or ceremonies before war by the Maluku people. This is inseparable from the local people’s belief that the patola cloth has magical powers that can give victory in a war.

War Mask

This war mask is also known as the iron mask used by the Indian Mughal army in wars in the 17th-18th centuries. This iron mask is used as a complement to armor to protect oneself during war. The uniqueness of this iron mask is that it has no eye holes, nostrils and mouth holes due to the way it is worn on the back of the head, the aim is to trick the enemies/opponents.

The Book of Palm Leaves

Lontar books written in calligraphic pegon letters, this book is very rare and rarely found which is estimated to be more than 1000 years old. The book contains Islamic teachings written on palm leaves. This lontar book is made from dried palm leaves or palm leaves. Palm leaves were used as a writing material on the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asia as early as the 5th century BC (BC) and probably much earlier.

Arabic Calligraphy Quran Box

This box is usually used to store the Qur’an or other valuable objects such as jewelry and so on. Decorated with Arabic calligraphy on each side with the meaning of the sentence of monotheism and the letter Al-Ikhlas.

Pegon Calligraphy Decorated with Carving Mosque

This calligraphy is a pegon calligraphy bowl decorated with carvings of a mosque functioning as a place to take medicine, decorated with Pegon calligraphy writing which means a tattoo / amulet for strength and a carving in the shape of a mosque. Rajah is usually a group of letters or sentences (which are separated) to form a certain image which is believed to be a healing power, salvation or compassion. Various, some can be read and some are only in the form of letters. Some are collected as circles, squares, triangles and the like. The method is, some are mixed with plain water for drinking or bathing. Well, among the tattoos that are there it is common to use Arabic script, even using verses from the Qur’an. This object existed in the 16-17th century and was made of brass.

Arabic Calligraphy Trumpet Vase

It is a vase (flower holder) that has a unique shape with a widened surface and is decorated with Pegon writing and Arabic calligraphy which means the names of the Prophet’s companions, namely Abu Bakar, Umar, Ustman, Ali and the sentence of blessings

Islamic Mughal Beautiful Hand Craffed Plate

Serves as a decoration with a distinctive style of carving from the Mughal / Babur Islamic Empire which once ruled India in 1526 – 1857 and is one of the largest Islamic Empires in the world.

Chinese dynasty

Ladies and gentlemen, after we explored the remains of the Ottoman Empire and the Mughal Empire, now we are stepping into the window of the Chinese dynasty. The arrival of Islam in China through 2 routes, namely through trade and sailors from Southeast Asia. While the second path through Central Asia with the silk route. One of the most influential in the spread of Islam in Indonesia from China was Admiral Cheng Ho, he led 7 expeditions to the archipelago with 307 fleets. He left a trail of legacy including the teachings of Islam. These objects prove the existence of the development of Islamic religious teachings from the Chinese dynasty. Some relics from Chinese dynasties can be found here:

Mirror Thang

Mirror thang is a mirror made of porcelain. This mirror itself is quite unique because it can only be used during the day. This mirror requires the reflection of sunlight so that it can be used as a mirror.

Water bucket

A bucket is a tool used to make it easier to collect water from wells, especially traditional wells (dug wells). This relic from the Chinese dynasty is made of bronze and is estimated to have existed in the 12th century AD from the Song dynasty.

Weight Tool

This ballast tool is used to weight the bucket to make it easier to draw water in very deep wells. This object itself is quite unique because it looks like a papaya fruit. This object was made of porcelain during the Song dynasty.

Swatow Dish

Swatow ceramics is the name of a group of ceramics from the late Ming dynasty that were exported to the Southeast Asian market from the 17th century. One of the reasons why it was given the name Swatow may be due to the trading of these ceramics through the port of Swatow, which is currently called Shantou. Swatow literally means mountain peak. Although the name means mountain peak, it does not mean that Swatow was found there. But they are generally thought to be in the vicinity of the port of Swatow (Shantou) on the north coast of the Guangdong region. So, the swatow dish here is decorated with Arabic calligraphy (Allah’s lafadz and short surahs) with green enamel and red frame decoration. This container is believed to cure magic.

Blue and White Square Ink Pot

Used as a place to fill ink for writing calligraphy in the Yuan / Tang dynasty. Calligraphy is a popular art in China since ancient times, as well as Arabic calligraphy in the Middle East and Persia at that time when Islam came, the culture of writing developed rapidly as well as the style of calligraphy. During the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) the two Asian cultures established trade relations via the Silk Road, land and sea, and they knew each other’s culture, ideology, art, and knowledge.

Blue and White Medicine Container

It is a small medicine box left over from the Yuan dynasty in the 13th century. It has blue and white characteristics like ceramics in general at that time.

Qing Bai Glazed With Phoenix Tea Pot

Qingbai ware Is a type of Chinese porcelain produced under the Song Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty defined by the ceramic coating used. Qingbai Ware is white with a turquoise tint and is also referred to as Yingqing (“shade of green”, although this name only appears from the 18th century). Qingbai Ware was made in the Jiangxi province in southeastern China, at several locations including Jingdezhen and is arguably the first type of porcelain to be produced on a very large scale. But at that time qingbai ware was not a prestigious item. One of the qingbai ware collections here is a place for serving tea.

Celadon Cup

Celadon is a famous type of ceramic in ancient China, appearing during the Five Dynasties period (907-960). It is characterized by a simple yet refined shape, with a jade-like glaze, solid substance with a distinctive style. Celadon ceramics is produced in Longquan County, Zhejiang Province, so it is also commonly called longquan qingci. Its Chinese name qingci, means “greenish porcelain”. This Celadon cup is a relic from the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century.

Celadon Ginger Jar

Originally, ginger jars were used to store and transport spices in Ancient China. They were used as containers for salt, oil, but also rarer spices such as ginger, hence the name that was used when it entered the Western world. This ginger jar is a relic from Vietnam’s 12th-century Champa dynasty.

Blue and Withe Bottle Vase

This vase is made of porcelain and was used as decoration during the Ming Dynasty. There are horse and flower patterns that are blue in color which signify the progress of the times at that time.

Archipelago Islamic Empire

Ladies and gentlemen before we enter the artifact collection zone from the Islamic empires in the archipelago. Let me inform you that the pictures that are mounted on the walls of our museum can be scanned using the AR application and a 3D image will appear. Ladies and gentlemen can take photos and videos through the application. Ladies and gentlemen, now we are entering the collection zone of relics from Islamic empires in the archipelago.

The first is from the Samudra Pasai kingdom located in Aceh. which is the first Islamic kingdom in Indonesia. The Samudra Pasai Kingdom was founded by Meurah Silu (Malik Al Saleh) in 1267 AD. The Samudra Pasai Kingdom succeeded in reaching its peak of glory during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Malik Az Zahir (1326 – 1345 AD). Under the reign of Sultan Mahmud Malik Az Zahir, Samudra Pasai developed into an international trading center. Following are the legacies of the Samudra Pasai Kingdom:

Rencong

Rencong is so popular in Acehnese society that Aceh has come to be known as “Land of Rencong”. Rencong (Reuncong) is a traditional weapon from Aceh which was used to fight colonialists, until later this weapon became a symbol of courage and heroism for the people of Aceh. Now, rencong is still used as a clothing attribute in traditional Acehnese ceremonies. And rencong can be found in almost all typical Aceh craft shops as souvenirs.

This weapon has a value related to the Islamic religion. This can be seen from the form of rencong which represents the bismillah form of the sentence. The hilt, which is curved then thickened at the elbows, is the Arabic script Ba; the shape of the grip handle is the character Sin; the sharp shape descending from the iron base close to the hilt is the Mim character; an iron strip from the base of the hilt to near the tip is Lam script; the tapered end with the upper plane horizontal and the lower part slightly bent upwards is the character Ha.

Keris

Keris is a stabbing weapon of the dagger class (pointed and sharp on both sides) with many cultural functions. ), namely streaks of bright metal on the blade.

The origins of the keris have not been fully explained because there are no written sources that are descriptive about it from before the 15th century, although the mention of the term “keris” has been listed on inscriptions from the 9th century AD. One of the relics from the Samudra Pasai kingdom is the Keris Kitchen Bangkinang Pamor Wojo. This keris has a characteristic with a long size from the custom of keris from other regions, using a handle or handle that is inscribed with the calligraphy of the creed.

Dirham coins

Dirham coins are not new in Indonesia. Deureuham or dirham has been present in the archipelago since the 13th century. The arrival of traders from the Arabian peninsula became its origin. In fact, the Sultanate of Samudera Pasai (Aceh) has recognized the dirham as the official medium of exchange, both domestically and internationally. Within that frame, the dirham later became a symbol of Islamic unity. Mainly as a symbol of how strong Islam is in the archipelago. In its history, the dirham comes from the Greek, “drachma” which means silver mold. However, the term developed in Indonesia. The Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI) notes the meaning of the dirham as a gold or silver currency.

As a developed trading port, Samudera Pasai issues currency as a means of payment. One of them which is made of gold is dirham money. This dirham money shows the history of the Kings of Samudera Pasai. This is because the names of the kings who once ruled the most famous Islamic empire in the archipelago were clearly stated on the currency. On one side of the coin there is an Arabic script which reads Muhammad Malik Az-Zahir and on the other side it reads Al-Sultan Al-Adil.

Dirhams also have different weights according to their nominal value. Usually there are dirhams with a gold weight of 0.30 grams to 0.60 grams. The money also bears the name of the ruling sultan. Then, write the Hijri year using Arabic numerals or Jawi letters which have a size of 6-11 millimeters. Therefore, the presence of dirhams shows the strong influence of Arab traders and the influence of Islamic development in the kingdom.

The Islamic Kingdom of Demak

The Islamic Kingdom of Demak was the first and largest Islamic Kingdom in Java. This spell was established at the end of the 15th century. Precisely in 1481 AD it was founded by Raden Patah. The founding of the Kingdom of Demak was also supported by Walisongo. After the fall of Majapahit, Wali Songo put Raden Patah in control and gave him the title Panembahan Jimbun. This sultanate played an important role in the downfall of Majapahit and the spread of Islam in Java. The following are relics from the Islamic Kingdom of Demak.

Oil Lamp White Two Muslim Knights

An oil lamp is an object used to produce light for a period of time using an oil-based fuel source. The use of oil lamps began thousands of years ago and continues today, though not as widely. This object is often associated with stories about jinns. Well, this is one of the relics from the Demak kingdom, namely an oil lamp found in the 15-16th century in Java, made of bronze, which is very unique in shape, which is decorated with two Islamic knights (Muslims) who are practicing swords. This lamp is very unique and very rare to find.

Islamic bells with Muslim figures/Kentongan/Bedug

The Kingdom of Demak is considered the oldest Islamic kingdom or sultanate on the island of Java. The existence of the Demak Kingdom can still be witnessed today through its various legacies. Including Islamic bells with Muslim figures made of wood found in the 17th-18th centuries in Java. This tool is allegedly used as a tool to call or notify them to worship at the mosque or prayer room, especially to attract children with a very unique shape such as Muslim men so that they (children) are excited to pray at the mosque. During the Hindu period, the number of drums was limited and their distribution was not evenly distributed throughout Java. In the Song of Malat it is stated that the drum functions as a medium for gathering residents from various villages in preparation for war.

Walisongo

Furthermore, there are relics from Walisongo. Wali songo are nine people who are close, loving and loved by God. Wali Songo preaches and spreads the teachings of Islam on the island of Java. There are so many methods used by Wali Songo in spreading Islam. One way is through culture. The following is a collection of Walisongo objects.

Wayang Kulit

Wayang art in Indonesia is quite popular, especially wayang kulit art which has been recognized as a masterpiece of world culture. Wayang art itself has been famous since the days of the Islamic Mataram kingdom. Where at that time wayang was only used as a medium of entertainment. In addition, the shape of the puppet still resembles a human. During the Walisongo era, wayang was used as a medium for preaching the spread of Islam. Where Sunan Kalijaga also changed the shape of the puppet to be flatter and not human-like. With this wayang kulit, Sunan Kalijaga introduced the teachings of Islam in a wise way. So that people more easily understand and accept the teachings of the Islamic religion.

Wayang Golek

Wayang golek is one of a variety of wayang arts made of wood which is the result of the development of wayang kulit. The shape resembles a doll made of wood. Wayang golek was first introduced by Sunan Kudus. This puppet also existed during the heyday of the Islamic Mataram kingdom in the 19th century.

Islamic interpretation book

This book describes the daily muamalah worship starting from seeking knowledge, prayer, zakat, fasting and pilgrimage. This book is made of straw paper with Arabic writing pegon (Arabic writing but using old Javanese). Apart from that, the writing ink used colors from plants, accompanied by wayang images, it is possible that this book existed in the 15th century.

Bonang Panerus

This object is part of a gamelan device called Bonang panerus / small bonang. Because of its smaller shape than the same tool but bigger it is called Bonang barung. Decorated with calligraphy pegon letters which mean tattoo to keep away danger.

The Book of Bayanu Aqidaul Suggestions

This book describes the science of monotheism which is estimated from the 15th century.