Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is located in the center of Banda Aceh hometown, Aceh Province, Indonesia. For Acehnese peoples, this mosque is a famous symbol of religion, culture, spirit, strength, struggle and nationalism. When tsunami and earthquake attacked on December 26, 2004, it has survived.
Based on the story, this mosque was built in 1612 during the Sultan Iskandar Muda regime. Some articles wrote that the original mosque was built in early 1292 by Sultan Alaidin Mahmudsyah.
When the Dutch colony, this mosque was attacked on April 10, 1873. It was the First Aceh Expedition, the Acehnese attacked the KNIL from the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque. Then, from some flares shot onto the thatched roof, the mosque was caught fire.
Furthermore, General van Swieten gave promised the local rulers he would rebuild the mosque and create a warm place for mercy. They had a reason to reduce the anger of Acehnese peoples, the Dutch rebuilt the mosque as a gift.
The Construction only began in 1879. The first stone was laid by Tengku Qadhi Malikul Adil, who became the first preacher. This mosque was completed on 27 December 1881 during the reign of Muhammad Daud Syah as the last sultan of Aceh.