A Study on the History and Development of the Javanese Mosque

Part 1: A Review of Theories on the Origin of the Javanese Mosque

Abstract

This paper aims at critically reviewing a number of theories and previous studies on the origin of the Javanese mosque. Some theories have been put forward by Dutch archeologists and historians since the 1930s, and were subject to debate until 1960s. Beyond this time, the debate was continued by an Indonesian archeologist in 1962/1963 and a French scholar in 1985. All of these theories will be reviewed as there are some doubts and unclear parts. The problems of each theory will be explained and discussed. Based on this review and critique, the most reliable theory will be asserted with new arguments and some evidence from Javanese temple reliefs.