Surosowan Great Mosque, Cileles, Lebak Regency

The Surosowan Great Mosque is a historic place of worship located in Banjarsari, Cileles, Lebak Regency, Banten, Indonesia. As a significant cultural landmark, it serves as a center for Islamic religious activities and reflects the rich historical tapestry of the region. The mosque's architecture often incorporates a blend of influences, highlighting its historical context within the Banten Sultanate.

The Surosowan Great Mosque is situated in Banjarsari, a desa (village) within the Cileles district of Lebak Regency. Cileles is one of 28 districts in Lebak Regency. Lebak Regency is located in Banten Province, bordered by Pandeglang Regency to the west, Serang Regency to the north, and Tangerang Regency to the north-east, with Bogor and Sukabumi regencies (West Java) to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south. While specific public transport routes directly to the mosque are not detailed, Lebak Regency's administrative center, Rangkasbitung, is integrated with the Commuter Line to Jabodetabek and the Jakarta-Merak railway line.

The mosque complex includes a main prayer hall with a five-tiered roof supported by four main posts (saka guru). The three uppermost tiers of the roof resemble a Chinese pagoda. A Javanese-styled pawestren, a side hall for female worshippers, was added during the reign of Maulana Muhammad. The southern serambi (porch) has been converted into a tomb area, containing approximately 15 graves. A notable feature is the 24-meter high brick minaret, which has an octagonal base with a 10-meter diameter, reminiscent of a lighthouse and featuring a mix of Indian Mughal and ancient candi decoration. Additionally, a two-floored building known as the tiyamah, designed in 17th-century Dutch style, is used for Islamic studies and social gatherings.

The Surosowan Great Mosque plays a crucial role in shaping its surroundings as a historical and cultural anchor in the Old Banten area. It is one of the few surviving structures of the former walled port city of Banten, which was the 16th-century capital of the Banten Sultanate and a prosperous trading center. The mosque continues to be a focal point for religious and cultural activities, drawing visitors who come to pay respects and pray at the tombs within its complex. Its eclectic architectural style serves as a tangible representation of the diverse international influences that shaped Banten during its peak.

The Surosowan Great Mosque is situated within the archaeological site of Old Banten, which also contains the ruins of the Surosowan Kraton (palace), located to the east of the mosque. The Museum of Old Banten, housing archaeological remnants, is located between the Surosowan Kraton and the Great Mosque. Other historical sites in Old Banten include the Kaibon Kraton ruins, the Avalokiteshvara Vihara, and Fort Speelwijk.