This time, I will explain about the historical sites of Banda Aceh, especially it is about the historical building which is located in the heart of Banda Aceh city. First of all, we start by explaining the place that becomes the interest in visitors both for local tourist and international tourist, that is Baiturahman Grand Mosque. This mosque was established in Sultan Iskandar Muda Meukuta Alam Sultanate in 1022 H/1612 M. During the Dutch military aggression II on April 10th, 1873, the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque was burnt to the ground. Then, in 1877, the Dutch rebuilt the mosque to attract the attention of Acehnese people and calm down the anger of Acehnese society. The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque itself becomes the most popular historical place which has the most valuable art now and becomes the religious tourism destination that can make the tourist surprisingly amazes over its architecture and history. The Baiturahman Grand mosque is one of the most stunning mosques in Indonesia located in Kampung Baru, Baiturrahman, Banda Aceh.
Picture 1: Baiturrahman Grand Mosque
Besides Masjid Raya, there are also many other tourism places located nearby Masjid Raya, namely Museum Aceh, located in Jalan Sultan Alaidin Mahmud Syah 12. This museum was built during the Dutch Colonialism and officially established in June 31st, 1915. This museum has become the most popular museum in Aceh which exhibits various artefact, historical documents, photograph and other priceless of Acehnese relics.
Picture 2: Museum Aceh
Not far from Museum Aceh, there is Taman Sari Geunongan, located in Jalan Teuku Umar, Baiturrahman, Aceh. This building was uniquely built as the present from Sulthan Iskandar Muda to his wife. The Taman Sari Geunongan is manifested as the miniature of three mountains which was usually seen by his wife, Putri Kamaliah in Negeri Phang, Malaysia.
Picture 3: Geunongan
Then, Aceh has another popular tourism destination which is Aceh Tsunami Museum. Aceh Tsunami Museum was initially established as the site to remind of Tsunami disaster attacked Aceh in December 26th, 2004. This museum is located at Jalan Sulthan Iskandar Muda No. 1, Blang Padang. Aceh Tsunami Museum is considered as the only Tsunami Museum located in South East Asia and the second most popular Tsunami museum in Asia continent. This museum was designed by the architect, Mochamad Ridwan Kamil who is currently the Mayor of Bandung, West Java. Aceh Tsunami Museum restored the debris of tsunami. This Museum also has the theatre that exhibit the recording of tsunami events taken from various places and sources. Last but not least, Aceh Tsunami Museum is also used as the places to learn about earthquake and tsunami and the simulation of evacuation process.
Picture 4: Aceh Tsunami Museum
All in all, the province of Aceh has preserved a lot of historical places. The greatness of Baiturrahman Mosque, the beauty of Museum Aceh, the lovely Geunongan and the famous Tsunami Aceh Museum will amaze the local and international tourists.