Surabaya Zheng He Mosque: A Historical Witness to Sino-Indonesian Cultural Exchange.

Hidden in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, is a mosque rich in history and cultural fusion—the Zheng He Mosque. This mosque is not only a source of pride for Chinese Indonesians but also a symbol of friendly relations between China and Indonesia. This article will take you inside this unique mosque to explore the stories and cultural significance behind it.

The Zheng He Mosque, officially named the "Muhammad Zheng He Mosque," was completed and officially opened on May 28, 2003. It is the world's first mosque named after "Zheng He" and the first mosque in Indonesia named after the Chinese Muslim "Zheng He." The mosque was funded and built by the Indonesian Haji Zheng He Foundation in 2002, with donations mainly from Chinese Muslim Indonesians. The plaque bearing the five golden characters "Zheng He Mosque" was written by Lu Shumin, the former Chinese ambassador to Indonesia. This not only reflects China's recognition of Zheng He's spirit but also highlights the deep friendship between China and Indonesia.

The architectural style of the Zheng He Mosque is unique and full of Chinese characteristics. Its exterior features flying eaves, painted beams, red pillars, green tiles, and an octagonal pavilion roof, decorated magnificently, distinctly different from typical Arab-style mosques or the commonly seen Malay and Javanese style mosques in Southeast Asia. It is said that the mosque's design was inspired by the Niujie Mosque in Beijing, China, using red, yellow, and green as the main colors, showcasing the style of ancient Chinese architecture while integrating local Indonesian architectural features. The mosque's roof is designed in an octagonal shape, symbolizing the Chinese traditional number "8," which sounds like "prosperity," representing "growth, prosperity, and good fortune."

On the right side of the mosque stands a relief portrait of Zheng He and a model of his treasure ship with sails, vividly recreating the magnificent scene of Zheng He's voyages to the Western seas. On the mosque's side wall, through reliefs and landscaping, the story of Zheng He's voyages is depicted, including the treasure ships, the eunuch Zheng He, and the ancient Indonesian seaports and villages. These details not only enrich the mosque's cultural connotation but also allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Zheng He's historical achievements and the cultural exchange between China and Indonesia during their visit.

The establishment of the Zheng He Mosque is not only a tribute to Zheng He as a messenger of peaceful exchanges but also an expression of hope for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among various religious cultures. On the front wall of the mosque's prayer room, there is a carving resembling the door of a Christian church, symbolizing Islam's recognition and respect for Jesus, the messenger of God in Christianity, and the Bible. It also demonstrates Islam's willingness to peacefully coexist and mutually respect other religions. This exchange and integration of diverse religious cultures are perfectly embodied in the Zheng He Mosque.

Additionally, the Zheng He Mosque is equipped with facilities such as a kindergarten, sports field, gymnasium, Chinese language practice classes, and a library, open to Muslims from various ethnic groups in Indonesia. This open and inclusive attitude further promotes community unity and cultural exchange. Many stone tablets near the mosque bear numerous Chinese inscriptions, which are a legacy and commemoration of the Zheng He spirit by the Chinese Indonesian community and a recognition and celebration of Sino-Indonesian friendly relations.

Zheng He was a peace envoy sent by Emperor Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty to neighboring countries. He led the Ming fleet to successfully complete seven voyages to the Western seas, establishing trade relations with the countries he visited. Zheng He's maritime expeditions not only promoted trade between China and other countries but also strengthened cultural exchanges and friendly relations. During his seven voyages, he visited Semarang in Central Java and Surabaya in East Java multiple times, leaving a profound historical impact. As a Chinese Hui Muslim, Zheng He's religious beliefs and identity had a certain affinity with the predominantly Islamic country of Indonesia, laying a foundation for his spread of Islam and cultural exchange in Indonesia.

As the world's first mosque named after "Zheng He," the Surabaya Zheng He Mosque is not only a memorial to this great navigator and peaceful envoy of friendship but also a symbol and historical witness of Sino-Indonesian friendly relations. With its unique architectural style and profound cultural significance, the mosque attracts many visitors to learn and explore. It deepens our understanding of the importance of cultural exchange and integration and makes us cherish the deep friendship between China and Indonesia even more.

Post by Serenity Mia~Simmons90 | Sep 14, 2024