In the early days of Islam's spread in Kudus, Central Java (Indonesia), Sunan Kudus forbade the eating of beef out of respect for the Hindus there. In Hinduism, beef is considered haram in some areas, but in Islam, it is permissible.
Therefore, buffalo meat was chosen as a substitute for beef at that time. From then until today, buffalo meat dishes such as soup and buffalo satay are readily available in Kudus.
Furthermore, in Kauman Village, a tower resembling a Hindu temple was built near the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Kudus.
The Menara (read: Tower) Kudus serves as a symbol and evidence of religious harmony and acculturation in Indonesia.
The site also houses the tomb of Sunan Kudus, whose real name was Syeh Jafar Shidiq, an important figure in the spread of Islam in Java.
The specific year the Menara Kudus was built is unknown. Some Indonesian media outlets mention that the Kudus Mosque, or Al-Aqsa Mosque, located next to it, was built in August 1549. However, other sources indicate that construction began in 1685.
Because the mosque's construction is related to the minaret, many researchers believe that the Kudus minaret was also built around 1549.
I was fortunate to be one of the poets invited to the 2019 Nusantara Poets Meeting. Besides Indonesians, poets from Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand also attended.
The specific year the Menara Kudus was built is unknown. Some Indonesian media outlets mention that the Kudus Mosque, or Al-Aqsa Mosque, located next to it, was built in August 1549. However, other sources indicate that construction began in 1685.
Because the mosque's construction is related to the minaret, many researchers believe that the Kudus minaret was also built around 1549.
I was fortunate to be one of the poets invited to the 2019 Nusantara Poets Meeting. Besides Indonesians, poets from Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand also attended.
The Menara Kudus is a religious and cultural tourism destination in Central Java. Before entering the Menara Kudus, the road leading to it is lined with souvenir stalls selling various items. Tourists can purchase these souvenirs on their way home from the Menara Kudus.
Photographing the Menara Kudus during a poetry reading was truly beautiful. Although there were obstacles with people coming and going, it was difficult to get a good angle.
Furthermore, I couldn't freely leave my seat because someone else would quickly take my place.
The lights that spotlighted the famous poets from various countries greatly contributed to the beauty. The reflection of light makes the Menara Kudus and the mosque's dome look exotic.
If you're in Central Java, you must visit the Menara Kudus and witness the great religious and cultural tolerance in Indonesia.***
