I fly back to Penang from Medan this evening, so there’s enough time to do the sights around Medan. I’ve done the Chinese/Nyonya attraction (Tjong A Fie mansion), so it’s time to do those related to the Malay royalty and the Muslim population.
Firstly to Masjid Raya which is kinda next door from the hotel … it is the big mosque of Medan. I thought it would be a bit awkward for me to go in, as Medan is hardly touristy. Luck was in my favour and several coach-loads of Western tourists walked off into the mosque compounds. I tailed them in and was able to walk around the corridors but not into the prayer areas.
It is a beautiful mosque but in need of some repairs (eg. broken stained glass windows).
Not far from the hotel is Istana Maimoon (Maimoon Palace) where the Sultan of Deli resides. Deli is the seat of the local sultanate, named after the river here. Since Indonesia is a republic, the Sultan’s role is only ceremonial … if even that.
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- Masjid Raya … the big mosque of Medan.
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- Peek into the main prayer hall.
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- Along the corridors of Masjid Raya.
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- Damaged stained glass … I hope it will get restored to its former glory.
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- Istana Maimoon.
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- Entrance of Istana Maimoon.
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- The throne at Istana Maimoon.
