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Banda Aceh, the Mecca’s Veranda

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Banda Aceh is one of the famous places in eastern of Indonesia. The area bears the special region status.  Formally, Aceh was called The Special Territory of Aceh. The special term is included the terms of culture, religion and education. In Indonesia, Aceh also has other popular name; “Serambi Mekkah” or the Mecca’s front veranda. Aceh was known as the place where Islam firstly entered the Indonesian archipelago and possibly all of Southeast Asia about the year 700. Banda Aceh is the capital of city of the province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD. Banda Aceh is also popular for being the capital of the Islamic Kingdom of Aceh Darussalam. The first Islamic Kingdom in Aceh was Perlak, which was established in 804. This place considered as one of the oldest Islamic city in Southeast Asia.
The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Banda Aceh is also famous for its culture richness.  Since its long history as one of the Islamic cities, the culture in Aceh mainly colored by the Islamic influences. The local government and Acehnese are very strong believers of Islam. The Islamic rules are applied in Aceh. For example, people especially women, must wear clothes that cover up the entire body except face, hand and foot when go out of the house. There are fines for against the rule. But although the Acehnese is the fanatics than other Indonesian, they have great respect for other people with different beliefs. Although Islam is the major religion in Aceh, we can easily find churches and temples in Aceh.

The Aceh Tsunami Museum

Aceh Tsunami Museum

Other Islamic-based culture in Banda Aceh is the famous traditional “Saman” dance. Saman is the most popular traditional dance of Aceh. Saman dances also known as the “Thousand Hands Dance”. It is famous not only in Aceh and Indonesia but throughout the world. “Seudati” is also a famous traditional dance which has existed since pre-Islamic times, and became a way to spread Islamic values. The word “seudati” derived from the word “syahadatain” which means the confession of faith. And you should know too that Banda Aceh also popular it’s Warong Kupie (Coffee Shops). Banda Aceh also has annually festivals such as Banda Aceh Festival, Festival Kupi, Festival Guelayang Tunang and Festival Krueng Aceh Peunayong.

The Pinto Khop

Pinto Khop, Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Banda Aceh is also popular for its prominent places which became the icon of the city. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is one of the icons of the capital city. This mosque is one of the most beautiful and most famous mosques in Indonesia. This mosque became more popular when the Tsunami destroyed Aceh in 2004, the mosque is standing strong. Aceh Tsunami Museum, Pendopo, the Kerkhoff, Gunongan and Pinto Khop also the interesting places to visit. You do not need to worry about the transportation. Taxis, rental cars and motor taxis are available. Banda Aceh is just 11.29 km from the Banda Aceh Airport’s Sultan Iskandar Muda.


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