Tuo Kayu Jao Mosque (Indonesian: Old Mosque of Kayu Jao) is an old mosque in Indonesia which is located in Jorong Kayu Jao, Batang Barus Nagari, Gunung Talang District, Solok Regency, West Sumatra. Existence of the mosque was already recorded since 1599, making it the oldest mosque in Solok Regency and among the oldest surviving mosques in Indonesia.
The mosque is registered on the list of heritages in West Sumatra which is overseen by the Preservation Hall of Ancient Relics. The mosque has been restored several times, including the restoration of one of the pillars and replacement of the old palm roof with a new one due to its erosion. Even undergoing those restorations, however, the authenticity of the mosque is well-preserved.
It is not known exactly what year the mosque was actually completed. Based on a number of records, the mosque is considered built in 1599, while other records show older dates. Apart from these differences, it is known that the construction of the mosque was made following the proliferation of Islam in the Solok region in the 16th century. Nagari where the mosque is located has been previously established by the three leaderships of the Minangkabau community. According to the local community leaders, there are two people who played a role in the construction of this mosque, namely Angku Musaur and Angku Labai, both of which are buried not far from the mosque. (Quoted by: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuo_Kayu_Jao_Mosque)
The architecture of this mosque is full of meaning, this can be seen from the 27 pillars that support the roof of the mosque which signify the six tribes, each of which consists of four elements of government plus three elements of religion, namely khatib (preacher), imam (priest), and bilal (caller prayer).
In addition, there are 13 windows that symbolize the pillars of prayer. The steps when entering the mosque are 5 steps, symbolizing the Pillars of Islam. Quoted by: (jelajahsumbar.com/masjid-tuo-kayu-jao)

Quoted by: (jelajahsumbar.com/masjid-tuo-kayu-jao.photo)

Quoted by: A Bedug (drum) in yard of Kayu Jao Mosque http://www.timesindonesia.co.id.photo
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